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袦懈褋褌械褑褜泻懈泄 蟹谢芯写褨泄
欧宝娱乐 Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Nonfiction (2023)小褌芯谢褨褌褌褟屑懈 褌胁芯褉懈 屑懈褋褌械褑褌胁邪 胁懈泻褉邪写邪谢懈 薪械蟹谢褨褔械薪薪懈屑懈 褋锌芯褋芯斜邪屑懈, 邪谢械 薪褨褏褌芯 薪械 写芯褋褟谐 褍 褑褜芯屑褍 褌邪泻芯谐芯 褍褋锌褨褏褍, 褟泻 屑邪泄褋褌械褉薪懈泄 蟹谢芯写褨泄 小褌械褎邪薪 袘褉邪泄褌胁褨蟹械褉. 袟邪 斜褨谢褜褕 薪褨卸 200 锌芯谐褉邪斜褍胁邪薪褜 锌褉芯褌褟谐芯屑 屑邪泄卸械 写械褋褟褌懈 褉芯泻褨胁 鈥� 褍 屑褍蟹械褟褏 褨 褑械褉泻胁邪褏 锌芯 胁褋褨泄 袆胁褉芯锌褨 鈥� 袘褉邪泄褌胁褨蟹械褉 蟹褨 褋胁芯褦褞 写褨胁褔懈薪芯褞 胁泻褉邪胁 锌芯薪邪写 300 芯斜鈥櫻斝貉傃栃� 屑懈褋褌械褑褌胁邪, 邪卸 锌芯泻懈 泄芯谐芯 褋锌褨泄屑邪谢懈. 袦邪泄泻谢 肖褨薪泻械谢褜 锌械褉械薪芯褋懈褌褜 薪邪褋 褍 写懈胁薪懈泄 褨 褋锌芯胁薪械薪懈泄 泻褉邪褋懈 褋胁褨褌 屑懈褋褌械褑褜泻芯谐芯 蟹谢芯写褨褟. 袧邪 胁褨写屑褨薪褍 胁褨写 褉械褕褌懈, 胁褨薪 薪褨泻芯谢懈 薪械 泻褉邪胁 蟹邪褉邪写懈 谐褉芯褕械泄, 邪 蟹斜械褉褨谐邪胁 褍褋褨 褋泻邪褉斜懈 胁写芯屑邪, 写械 屑褨谐 屑懈谢褍胁邪褌懈褋褟 薪懈屑懈 写芯褋褏芯褔褍. 袟邪胁写褟泻懈 斜械蟹屑械卸薪褨泄 谢褞斜芯胁褨 写芯 屑懈褋褌械褑褌胁邪 褨 蟹写邪褌薪芯褋褌褨 芯褑褨薪褞胁邪褌懈 锌褉邪泻褌懈褔薪芯 斜褍写褜-褟泻褍 褋懈褋褌械屑褍 斜械蟹锌械泻懈, 袘褉邪泄褌胁褨蟹械褉 蟹褍屑褨胁 蟹写褨泄褋薪懈褌懈 薪械泄屑芯胁褨褉薪褍 泻褨谢褜泻褨褋褌褜 蟹褍褏胁邪谢懈褏 泻褉邪写褨卸芯泻. 袩褉芯褌械 褑褨 写懈胁薪褨 褌邪谢邪薪褌懈 锌芯褉芯写懈谢懈 写械写邪谢褨 斜褨谢褜褕械 薪械褏褌褍胁邪薪薪褟 斜械蟹锌械泻芯褞 褨 薪械褋褌褉懈屑薪褍 卸邪谐褍 锌芯锌芯胁薪褞胁邪褌懈 泻芯谢械泻褑褨褞 斜械蟹泻褨薪械褔薪芯, 邪卸 锌芯泻懈 蟹邪 胁谢邪褋薪懈屑 械谐芯 泻褉邪写褨泄 薪械 锌芯斜邪褔懈胁 锌邪褋褌泻懈. 笑械 褉械邪谢褜薪邪 褨褋褌芯褉褨褟 锌褉芯 屑懈褋褌械褑褌胁芯, 蟹谢芯褔懈薪懈 褌邪 薪械胁谐邪屑芯胁薪械 斜邪卸邪薪薪褟 胁芯谢芯写褨褌懈 泻褉邪褋芯褞 蟹邪 胁褋褟泻褍 褑褨薪褍.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published June 22, 2023
6,013 people are currently reading
135k people want to read
About the author
Michael Finkel
17听books1,506听followersMichael Finkel is the author of "The Art Thief," "The Stranger in the Woods," and "True Story," which was adapted into a 2015 motion picture. He has reported from more than 50 countries and written for National Geographic, GQ, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, and The New York Times Magazine. He lives with his family in northern Utah.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,320 reviews
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September 26, 2023Dear Goodreaders:
Though "The Art Thief" is a short book (just over 200 pages), I worked on the project for more than 11 years, trying to make sure that everything in this wild and unpredictable tale is true - and also, to the best of my abilities, entertaining to read.
The art thief himself, St茅phane Breitwieser, granted me dozens of hours of exclusive interviews, and even visited a couple of museums with me. It was a bizarre experience, to say the least, to tour an art museum with one of the world's greatest art thieves.
I respect all of the reviews here (well, almost all), and I hope that the art thief's incredible crime spree, and his equally spectacular crash, capture your interest. My time with Breitwieser changed the way I experience museums and absorb works of art, and I expect that the same effects may happen to you as you wind your way through the book.
Yours,
Mike Finkel
PS: Since you made it down this far, I'll admit which is my personal favorite line in the book: "When you wear your heart on your sleeve, it's exposed to the elements." (p.74)
Though "The Art Thief" is a short book (just over 200 pages), I worked on the project for more than 11 years, trying to make sure that everything in this wild and unpredictable tale is true - and also, to the best of my abilities, entertaining to read.
The art thief himself, St茅phane Breitwieser, granted me dozens of hours of exclusive interviews, and even visited a couple of museums with me. It was a bizarre experience, to say the least, to tour an art museum with one of the world's greatest art thieves.
I respect all of the reviews here (well, almost all), and I hope that the art thief's incredible crime spree, and his equally spectacular crash, capture your interest. My time with Breitwieser changed the way I experience museums and absorb works of art, and I expect that the same effects may happen to you as you wind your way through the book.
Yours,
Mike Finkel
PS: Since you made it down this far, I'll admit which is my personal favorite line in the book: "When you wear your heart on your sleeve, it's exposed to the elements." (p.74)
September 8, 2024
This
offers a captivating dive into the true story of French art thief St茅phane Breitwieser and his accomplice, Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus. Narrated with just the right balance of intrigue and precision, the audiobook unfolds the incredible heists that began in 1991, when Breitwieser first stole a small ivory sculpture of Adam and Eve from a museum in Antwerp鈥攁 piece that would become his favorite. The smooth narration makes it easy to follow their journey back to Mulhouse, France, where the pair lived in the attic of Breitwieser鈥檚 mother鈥檚 house, surrounded by the fruits of their crimes.
What sets Breitwieser apart from most thieves is his peculiar motive鈥攈e isn鈥檛 interested in profit. As the audiobook emphasizes, he considers himself more of an obsessive art lover than a criminal. With over 200 objects filling their small apartment, his passion for pre-Renaissance art drove him to use his insider knowledge as a former museum security guard to identify weaknesses in museum security systems. With Anne-Catherine by his side, using her large purse as their tool of choice, they amassed a staggering collection of treasures.
Audiobook format:
The audiobook highlights the thrill and the tension as the story builds, especially when Breitwieser is finally caught, returning to the scene of an earlier theft. The narration captures the complexity of the investigation as authorities from several countries come together to unravel the extent of his crimes.
One of the most compelling aspects of this audiobook is how it portrays Breitwieser鈥檚 love for the art he steals, almost elevating the tale beyond a mere criminal narrative. Listening to his story, you almost begin to understand his twisted logic鈥攈e doesn鈥檛 see himself as a thief because he never sells the pieces; he simply adores them. It adds a psychological layer to the story, brought to life by the narrator's ability to humanize these strange impulses while still conveying the danger and arrogance of their actions.
Overall, this audiobook delivers an enthralling true-crime story with a unique twist鈥攁n art thief who steals not for money but for love. The narrator鈥檚 crisp delivery enhances the tale鈥檚 allure, making it a must-listen for fans of art, crime, and psychology. A truly fascinating story that captures the imagination and raises questions about passion, morality, and obsession.
What sets Breitwieser apart from most thieves is his peculiar motive鈥攈e isn鈥檛 interested in profit. As the audiobook emphasizes, he considers himself more of an obsessive art lover than a criminal. With over 200 objects filling their small apartment, his passion for pre-Renaissance art drove him to use his insider knowledge as a former museum security guard to identify weaknesses in museum security systems. With Anne-Catherine by his side, using her large purse as their tool of choice, they amassed a staggering collection of treasures.
Audiobook format:
The audiobook highlights the thrill and the tension as the story builds, especially when Breitwieser is finally caught, returning to the scene of an earlier theft. The narration captures the complexity of the investigation as authorities from several countries come together to unravel the extent of his crimes.
One of the most compelling aspects of this audiobook is how it portrays Breitwieser鈥檚 love for the art he steals, almost elevating the tale beyond a mere criminal narrative. Listening to his story, you almost begin to understand his twisted logic鈥攈e doesn鈥檛 see himself as a thief because he never sells the pieces; he simply adores them. It adds a psychological layer to the story, brought to life by the narrator's ability to humanize these strange impulses while still conveying the danger and arrogance of their actions.
Overall, this audiobook delivers an enthralling true-crime story with a unique twist鈥攁n art thief who steals not for money but for love. The narrator鈥檚 crisp delivery enhances the tale鈥檚 allure, making it a must-listen for fans of art, crime, and psychology. A truly fascinating story that captures the imagination and raises questions about passion, morality, and obsession.
July 28, 2023
The Art Thief is a narrative nonfiction so it reads almost like fiction. But this amazing story is true. Crazy to think that so recently in the past, someone could get away with stealing hundreds of pieces from various museums. Yes, not the big museums, but still! It was surprising to learn that Breitwieser didn鈥檛 go in for lots of advance planning. He was a think-on-his-feet kind of thief.
The book veers between the story of the various art heists with commentary by various psychologists, all of whom tried to determine what led him to steal. Meanwhile, Breitwieser declares 鈥淎rt is my drug鈥�, as if that is all the explanation needed.
The book also provides a unique look at the European legal system. I was shocked to learn that Breitweiser鈥檚 many thefts were deemed as less serious than a theft of some cheap item if a weapon was used in the latter. In fact, the amount of time he served was shocking to me. The person who comes across the worst here is his mother.
Breitwieser granted Michael Finkel hours and hours of interview time, so the book definitely has the feel of a one on one conversation.
I found it odd that Stephane Breitwieser is consistently called by his last name, while his girlfriend and accomplice is called by her first name, Anne-Catherine.
It was refreshing to read a true crime story with no violence involved.
My thanks to Netgalley and Knopf for an advance copy of this book.
The book veers between the story of the various art heists with commentary by various psychologists, all of whom tried to determine what led him to steal. Meanwhile, Breitwieser declares 鈥淎rt is my drug鈥�, as if that is all the explanation needed.
The book also provides a unique look at the European legal system. I was shocked to learn that Breitweiser鈥檚 many thefts were deemed as less serious than a theft of some cheap item if a weapon was used in the latter. In fact, the amount of time he served was shocking to me. The person who comes across the worst here is his mother.
Breitwieser granted Michael Finkel hours and hours of interview time, so the book definitely has the feel of a one on one conversation.
I found it odd that Stephane Breitwieser is consistently called by his last name, while his girlfriend and accomplice is called by her first name, Anne-Catherine.
It was refreshing to read a true crime story with no violence involved.
My thanks to Netgalley and Knopf for an advance copy of this book.
January 11, 2024
The Art Thief by Michael Finkel is True Crime Nonfiction!
The Art Thief is a fascinating True Crime story that verges on the unbelievable...
St茅phane Breitwieser professed to steal art not for money, but for love, an estimated $2B worth, in the years between 1995 - 2001. What he loved was Fine Art, primarily Renaissance Art and medieval art.
Leisurely visits, smartly dressed in upper-end clothes, to museums and galleries throughout Europe with his then-girlfriend Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus would net something of interest. He performed the theft and she would be on the lookout. They would seamlessly blend into the crowd, take their time, never rushing the door or speeding away.
Breitwieser and Anne-Catherine lived in two small rooms in the attic of his mother Mirelle Stengel鈥檚 house where the stolen art was on display all around them. Sleeping close to, being able to touch, and see the art was part of Breitwieser's obsession and thirst for what was now theirs alone to enjoy.
There is a great deal of information packed into a fairly short book and, because there are so many thefts, it can feel repetitive and confusing. It reads like a suspense thriller without the mystery of how it will end. We already know the ending. To dig deeper will reveal a character study, a relationship study, and a family study that rolls up into a compelling True Crime read/listen.
The audiobook is a 5H 39M listen narrated by the magnificent voice of Edoardo Ballerini. Although an audiobook will always be my preferred format, I do recommend sourcing a physical copy of this book for all the lovely color pictures of the "loot" found in the notorious attic rooms.
The Art Thief is a fun, entertaining, and compelling nonfiction read/listen I recommend to readers who enjoy reading edgy nonfiction books. I listened to it with my mouth agape!
4猸�
The Art Thief is a fascinating True Crime story that verges on the unbelievable...
St茅phane Breitwieser professed to steal art not for money, but for love, an estimated $2B worth, in the years between 1995 - 2001. What he loved was Fine Art, primarily Renaissance Art and medieval art.
Leisurely visits, smartly dressed in upper-end clothes, to museums and galleries throughout Europe with his then-girlfriend Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus would net something of interest. He performed the theft and she would be on the lookout. They would seamlessly blend into the crowd, take their time, never rushing the door or speeding away.
Breitwieser and Anne-Catherine lived in two small rooms in the attic of his mother Mirelle Stengel鈥檚 house where the stolen art was on display all around them. Sleeping close to, being able to touch, and see the art was part of Breitwieser's obsession and thirst for what was now theirs alone to enjoy.
There is a great deal of information packed into a fairly short book and, because there are so many thefts, it can feel repetitive and confusing. It reads like a suspense thriller without the mystery of how it will end. We already know the ending. To dig deeper will reveal a character study, a relationship study, and a family study that rolls up into a compelling True Crime read/listen.
The audiobook is a 5H 39M listen narrated by the magnificent voice of Edoardo Ballerini. Although an audiobook will always be my preferred format, I do recommend sourcing a physical copy of this book for all the lovely color pictures of the "loot" found in the notorious attic rooms.
The Art Thief is a fun, entertaining, and compelling nonfiction read/listen I recommend to readers who enjoy reading edgy nonfiction books. I listened to it with my mouth agape!
4猸�
June 24, 2023
My Recommendation
This was an incredible true story about the most prolific and brazen art thief in history. Between 1995 and 2001, Stephane Breitiviser is said to have stolen 239 valuable/priceless works of art from 172 museums, cathedrals and castles all over Europe. The author, Michael Finkel, extensively and meticulously researched his life, psychological theories about his mental and emotional state, personality, enablers, police investigations, and court cases. Many involved in the case, including Stephane himself, were interviewed.
Stephane considered himself superior to other art thieves as he never stole for profit. He felt the art was better cared for 'under his ownership' than in museums. While viewing specific works of art, he was overcome by aesthetic adoration and an obsession to have the treasure for himself to revel in its beauty. He was assisted by his long-time girlfriend, Anna-Katherine Kleinklaus, who frequently accompanied him and served as a lookout when he committed a burglary. He carefully removed desired objects using merely a Swiss Army knife, and the robberies were committed in daylight hours. Art objects he brazenly stole included paintings, sculptures, antique weapons, dishes, and decorative containers. He wanted to feel the joy of owning the object and the thrill of acquiring it.
He hoarded all the stolen works of art in two rooms in his mother's attic, where he lived with Anna-Katherine. All available spaces were decorated with his ill-gained treasures. He deluded himself into thinking that his mother thought he was carrying in cheap art acquired at flea markets while his mother denied seeing anything. Items estimated at between one and two billion dollars were displayed for the couple's pleasure. He was arrested, eventually confessed, and showed an encyclopedic memory of everything he stole and where he acquired all the items. He was sentenced to three years in prison and served twenty-nine months. (2015). During the trial, Anna-Katherine expressed a strong dislike for him and denied helping him.
Stephane's mother, his estranged father, and grandparents were strangely tolerant of his crimes. He had been spoiled, enabled, indulged, and felt entitled. His mother provided him and his girlfriend with living space in her home and later apartments, groceries, several cars and even gas money. After Anna-Katherine abandoned him, his mother found him a new girlfriend, Stephanie, and he moved into her apartment. He lived off Stephanie, his mother, and government assistance.
In 2009, he had the impulse to shoplift designer clothes and then a valuable painting estimated worth $50 million. Much to his surprise, Stephanie kicked him out of her apartment and notified the police. While he was in prison again, his enraged mother threw all the gold, silver, and ivory artwork into the Rhine. They are recovered from the mud, restored, and returned for display. Sadly, all the paintings and wood carvings were believed to be burned in the forest, a shocking and tragic loss of culture and art.
In 2016, badly in need of money, he went against all his stated principles, went on a robbery spree, and sold his accumulated valuables on eBay and other internet sites. Almost 200,000 dollars he had gained was recovered, and he was sentenced to prison again in 2019.
This fast-paced, gripping story is highly recommended for art lovers and true crime readers. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada (Knopf Canada) for this compelling
book. Publication is set for June 27.
This was an incredible true story about the most prolific and brazen art thief in history. Between 1995 and 2001, Stephane Breitiviser is said to have stolen 239 valuable/priceless works of art from 172 museums, cathedrals and castles all over Europe. The author, Michael Finkel, extensively and meticulously researched his life, psychological theories about his mental and emotional state, personality, enablers, police investigations, and court cases. Many involved in the case, including Stephane himself, were interviewed.
Stephane considered himself superior to other art thieves as he never stole for profit. He felt the art was better cared for 'under his ownership' than in museums. While viewing specific works of art, he was overcome by aesthetic adoration and an obsession to have the treasure for himself to revel in its beauty. He was assisted by his long-time girlfriend, Anna-Katherine Kleinklaus, who frequently accompanied him and served as a lookout when he committed a burglary. He carefully removed desired objects using merely a Swiss Army knife, and the robberies were committed in daylight hours. Art objects he brazenly stole included paintings, sculptures, antique weapons, dishes, and decorative containers. He wanted to feel the joy of owning the object and the thrill of acquiring it.
He hoarded all the stolen works of art in two rooms in his mother's attic, where he lived with Anna-Katherine. All available spaces were decorated with his ill-gained treasures. He deluded himself into thinking that his mother thought he was carrying in cheap art acquired at flea markets while his mother denied seeing anything. Items estimated at between one and two billion dollars were displayed for the couple's pleasure. He was arrested, eventually confessed, and showed an encyclopedic memory of everything he stole and where he acquired all the items. He was sentenced to three years in prison and served twenty-nine months. (2015). During the trial, Anna-Katherine expressed a strong dislike for him and denied helping him.
Stephane's mother, his estranged father, and grandparents were strangely tolerant of his crimes. He had been spoiled, enabled, indulged, and felt entitled. His mother provided him and his girlfriend with living space in her home and later apartments, groceries, several cars and even gas money. After Anna-Katherine abandoned him, his mother found him a new girlfriend, Stephanie, and he moved into her apartment. He lived off Stephanie, his mother, and government assistance.
In 2009, he had the impulse to shoplift designer clothes and then a valuable painting estimated worth $50 million. Much to his surprise, Stephanie kicked him out of her apartment and notified the police. While he was in prison again, his enraged mother threw all the gold, silver, and ivory artwork into the Rhine. They are recovered from the mud, restored, and returned for display. Sadly, all the paintings and wood carvings were believed to be burned in the forest, a shocking and tragic loss of culture and art.
In 2016, badly in need of money, he went against all his stated principles, went on a robbery spree, and sold his accumulated valuables on eBay and other internet sites. Almost 200,000 dollars he had gained was recovered, and he was sentenced to prison again in 2019.
This fast-paced, gripping story is highly recommended for art lovers and true crime readers. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada (Knopf Canada) for this compelling
book. Publication is set for June 27.
Read
January 18, 2025Omg hahaha almost unbelievable!
November 4, 2024
Why do I love books about people stealing things? Couldn't tell you. But I do.
to hear more of my thoughts on this book over on my Booktube channel, abookolive!
to hear more of my thoughts on this book over on my Booktube channel, abookolive!
November 21, 2023
3.5
Crime works best, not with overpowering force but when nobody knows it鈥檚 being committed.
This book is about one man鈥檚 obsession to possess beauty, but not in the conventional way by paying for it. This man doesn鈥檛 have money. He lives in the attic of his mother鈥檚 house. He isn鈥檛 content to see the fine art he so admires behind a Plexiglas in a museum. He wants to own it and he is compulsive enough to take advantage of a distracted guard or a commotion to grab what he wants and disappear.
But he isn鈥檛 alone. His girlfriend helps him in his endeavors, but for her the incentive is her love for the man and the rush of adrenalin.
Their thefts are executed without violence or causing damage. They never sell any of the objects they take.
They live in the attic of a house, inside a treasure chest, owning nothing, surrounded by beauty.
But not all fairy tales have happy endings, do they?
Chris, I had such a fun time reading this book with you and discussing the fountains, sunflowers and ballet dancers!
Crime works best, not with overpowering force but when nobody knows it鈥檚 being committed.
This book is about one man鈥檚 obsession to possess beauty, but not in the conventional way by paying for it. This man doesn鈥檛 have money. He lives in the attic of his mother鈥檚 house. He isn鈥檛 content to see the fine art he so admires behind a Plexiglas in a museum. He wants to own it and he is compulsive enough to take advantage of a distracted guard or a commotion to grab what he wants and disappear.
But he isn鈥檛 alone. His girlfriend helps him in his endeavors, but for her the incentive is her love for the man and the rush of adrenalin.
Their thefts are executed without violence or causing damage. They never sell any of the objects they take.
They live in the attic of a house, inside a treasure chest, owning nothing, surrounded by beauty.
But not all fairy tales have happy endings, do they?
Chris, I had such a fun time reading this book with you and discussing the fountains, sunflowers and ballet dancers!
September 3, 2024
Learned two things: 1, crime really doesn鈥檛 pay - at least not in this instance and not in the long term, and 2, it is possible to be loved too much by a parent.
July 26, 2023
2.5 stars
While I found the story itself fascinating, and the level of crimes committed and the resultant aftermath rather horrific in their way, several choices made by Finkel kept this from rising above ordinary.
A good bit of his nonfiction narrative leans into the overwrought, whether trying to complement or compete with the beauty of the stolen works of art, I'm unsure. The choice of present tense is beyond me 鈥� other than the typical gimmicky explanations 鈥� the utter relinquishment of control of his own story is nigh on unfathomable. Looking at the book in its entirety, as though it were actually unfolding in time as the book is read, makes no sense either for when the crimes take place or the resultant consequences we know occur.
In the end, though I appreciated the story and the depth Finkel reveals, he seems either reluctant to or to outright refuse to look at Breitwieser's thievery through a more critical and scrutinizing lens. His neutrality reeks of promises made to the subject in order to get this book approved, and is the weaker for it. Though he never seems to buy into the overly romantic notion that Breitwieser commits these acts through some desire to simply own art (because he admires it more than others) or even rescue it (anti-Indiana Jones, as it were [It doesn't belong in a museum!]), he ends the novel with the barest of mentions of Breitwieser's actual acts of petty thievery. The unwillingness to both fully recognize these contradictions and to directly address the utter lack of self-awareness from which Breitwieser suffers, detracts from Finkel's credibility.
Audiobook, as narrated by : Ballerini did a great job of laying a great foundation and support to this nonfiction book that had flaws of its own.
While I found the story itself fascinating, and the level of crimes committed and the resultant aftermath rather horrific in their way, several choices made by Finkel kept this from rising above ordinary.
A good bit of his nonfiction narrative leans into the overwrought, whether trying to complement or compete with the beauty of the stolen works of art, I'm unsure. The choice of present tense is beyond me 鈥� other than the typical gimmicky explanations 鈥� the utter relinquishment of control of his own story is nigh on unfathomable. Looking at the book in its entirety, as though it were actually unfolding in time as the book is read, makes no sense either for when the crimes take place or the resultant consequences we know occur.
In the end, though I appreciated the story and the depth Finkel reveals, he seems either reluctant to or to outright refuse to look at Breitwieser's thievery through a more critical and scrutinizing lens. His neutrality reeks of promises made to the subject in order to get this book approved, and is the weaker for it. Though he never seems to buy into the overly romantic notion that Breitwieser commits these acts through some desire to simply own art (because he admires it more than others) or even rescue it (anti-Indiana Jones, as it were [It doesn't belong in a museum!]), he ends the novel with the barest of mentions of Breitwieser's actual acts of petty thievery. The unwillingness to both fully recognize these contradictions and to directly address the utter lack of self-awareness from which Breitwieser suffers, detracts from Finkel's credibility.
Audiobook, as narrated by : Ballerini did a great job of laying a great foundation and support to this nonfiction book that had flaws of its own.
July 23, 2023
This is not journalism or non-fiction. Instead, the 鈥渏ournalist鈥� tells a one-sided, repetitive and uninteresting interpretation of a man鈥檚 fiction of himself, a criminal with Antisocial Personality Disorder who takes no accountability for his crimes while blaming everyone else and every museum for his behavior. The portrayal is presumably meant to make one feel sorry for this petty thief who doesn鈥檛 discriminate between million dollar art and shoplifting, yet at every turn I found myself shuddering at the trope of a creepy loser who steals because he thinks he鈥檚 better and smarter than the rest. Instead, I feel sorry for the countries, museums, and art lovers from whom these works and their viewings was stolen. I feel like my time reading this drivel was stolen too.
March 5, 2023
When Breitwieser is not in bed, he dotes like a butler on the works in his rooms, monitoring temperature and humidity, light and dust. His pieces are kept in better condition, he says, than they were in museums. Lumping him in with the savages is cruel and unfair. Instead of an art thief, Breitwieser prefers to be thought of as an art collector with an unorthodox acquisition style. Or, if you will, he鈥檇 like to be called an art liberator.
With more than two hundred heists pulled off over seven countries, stealing some three hundred works of art worth upwards of two billion dollars which he then stashed in his attic rooms in his mother鈥檚 house, Stephane Brietwieser 鈥� averaging a theft every twelve days for over seven years 鈥� is considered the most prolific art thief of all time. Starting as a young man, often accompanied by his live-in girlfriend and accomplice, Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus, Brietwieser was such as aesthete, such a studied connoisseur, that when he would spot a work of art 鈥� whether a silver cup or smallish Renaissance oil painting 鈥� that struck him helpless with a coup de coeur, he would calmly liberate that object (whether from its frame or its locked display case), disguise it on his person, and walk out the door of the museum, church, or gallery that he had been visiting. This sounds like it could be a thrilling tale of crime and punishment 鈥� and as journalist Michael Finkel was given unprecedented access to Brietwieser in order to tell his story, I expected him to give us a colourful antihero story as he did with 鈥� but didn鈥檛 really take off for me. The thefts, investigation, and subsequent trials are recounted matter-of-factly, Finkel pads out the story with some interesting enough research, and although I had never heard of Brietwieser before, I鈥檓 left thinking there鈥檚 no particular reason I needed to learn of him. Not a bad read at all, but not a necessary one either. (Note: I read an ARC through NetGalley and passages quoted may not be in their final form.)
Anne-Catherine would never consider stealing without Breitwieser present. Her eyes are usually difficult to read. She seldom touches a piece before it leaves the museum. He鈥檒l use her purse maybe one theft in ten. She is not exactly a thief, but she鈥檚 not not a thief either. She鈥檚 more like a magician鈥檚 assistant, hovering in the background during a trick, making sure the overly curious are gently diverted. She also reins in, when necessary, her boyfriend鈥檚 exuberance, and occasionally aids him.
Anne-Catherine and Brietwieser鈥檚 mother, Mireille Stengel, have the more interesting stories to me 鈥� it鈥檚 one thing to be a sociopathic art thief; a rather different thing to love one and risk prosecution for abetting him 鈥� but as neither of the women has ever consented to an interview, Finkel needed to rely on court records and Brietwieser鈥檚 own slippery word to form a picture of the women in his life, and it doesn鈥檛 amount to much. (Stengel in particular has a fascinating role in the story鈥檚 aftermath but the details can only be guessed at.) Finkel does attempt to learn where Brietwieser鈥檚 compulsion came from (after a childhood of privilege, his parents鈥� divorce saw his father move away with all the beautiful family heirlooms; court psychologists diagnosed Brietwieser as narcissistic and immature), and throughout, Finkel shares his related research, as in:
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Or maybe not. In 2011, Semir Zeki, a professor of neuroscience at University College London, used MRI scanners to track neural activity in the brain, deciphering the power of attraction. He discovered the exact place, he announced, from which all aesthetic reactions flow 鈥� a pea-sized lobe located behind the eyes. Beauty, to be unpoetic but precise, is in the medial orbital-frontal cortex of the beholder.
And:
Directors of small-budget museums don鈥檛 like to talk about security, but these institutions, rather than allocating funds for the latest protection measures, such as tracking devices as thin as threads that can be sewn into canvases, instead almost always opt to acquire more art. New works, not better security, draw crowds.
Breitwieser is unique in the world of art thieves in that he stole in order to own; never did he try to ransom or fence a work of art, and as his two small attic rooms became cluttered with stacks and piles, he was still able to convince himself that he was honouring these pieces more than their former curators had. There鈥檚 a fascinating story in that, and I鈥檓 not sure Finkel totally uncovered it.
The story of art, Breitwieser says, is a story of stealing. Egyptian papyri from the early written age decry the menace of tomb raiders. The Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II, in 586 BC, hauled off from Jerusalem the Ark of the Covenant. The Persians plundered the Babylonians, the Greeks raided the Persians, the Romans robbed the Greeks. The Vandals binged on the riches of Rome鈥ach pilfered work represents another reason he steals, Breitwieser says, and everyone in the art world is a thief in some way. If he doesn鈥檛 get what he wants, he expects others will. Some grab works by wiring cash to a dealer; he acquires pieces with a Swiss Army knife. At the very least, he鈥檚 a formidable rogue in the art world鈥檚 eternal den of iniquity. And perhaps when all is said and done, this is his dream, he will be written into the story of art as a hero.
February 26, 2024
Sometimes the hoopla just does not match my feeling about a book, and The Art Thief falls into that category for me. It's not a bad book, but it did not really do a lot for me either. Granted the art crimes perpetrated by Stephane Breitwieser and his girlfriend are almost more than one can comprehend, but the book seems to cover the same ground over and over. Despite some prior books by other authors, not a whole lot new is added to the story in this book. Finkel is a fine writer but even he really cannot get a whole lot more out of Stephane other than the fact that Stephane swipes Finkel's laptop with a swift ease that Finkel had no idea it was happening. It just shows how adept Stephane was and how he was able to quickly steal over 300 priceless objects from museums throughout Europe. But he was unable to get any new info from Stephane's girlfriend and mother, both of whom blatantly lied during the two trials arising from these thefts. He places little blame, does not really give us more insights into the 80+ pieces still not found, and seems to be more at awe of Stephane than the ridiculous judicial proceedings that gave slaps on the wrist instead of severe penalties. A system that believed Stephane would not go back to his criminal ways upon release (he did numerous times and the penalties were not that severe), and a system that employs people to solve art crimes but until 2023 had no really meaningful punishment. Yes, it was interesting, but not deserving of all the hoopla.
August 25, 2024
Darn it鈥� you did it again 欧宝娱乐 (and I did it again to myself). Yes, I should have written this review elsewhere and then copied it into the app. Ugh.
Okay, everyone鈥� it鈥檚 the short version for you.
If I wrote a screenplay about two attractive, bored young people who managed to amass a huge cache of stolen artworks, statues, and historical artifacts, it would read a lot like this well-written, if not a bit dry, book.
The author is a journalist and the book reads like a long magazine article鈥� complete with anecdotes and quotes from people in the know across several European countries.
It鈥檚 unbelievable what these two (one brilliant in his daring as his lovely partner in crime was the perfect blend of subservient and sensual) managed to do, often right under the noses of museum staff and patrons.
Some of the blame lies in the fact that so many smaller museums are often understaffed鈥� which our two criminals (and no matter how personable and attractive鈥� these are spoiled, selfish criminals) took full advantage of.
I鈥檓 sure there鈥檚 a streaming service developing a series鈥� I look forward to it as I would have liked a little 鈥渇ictionalization鈥� with my true crime. (I know, I know鈥� then it鈥檚 not non-fiction says the bookworm who prefers historical fiction to non-fiction nine times out of 10).
(Reviewed 3/24/24)
Okay, everyone鈥� it鈥檚 the short version for you.
If I wrote a screenplay about two attractive, bored young people who managed to amass a huge cache of stolen artworks, statues, and historical artifacts, it would read a lot like this well-written, if not a bit dry, book.
The author is a journalist and the book reads like a long magazine article鈥� complete with anecdotes and quotes from people in the know across several European countries.
It鈥檚 unbelievable what these two (one brilliant in his daring as his lovely partner in crime was the perfect blend of subservient and sensual) managed to do, often right under the noses of museum staff and patrons.
Some of the blame lies in the fact that so many smaller museums are often understaffed鈥� which our two criminals (and no matter how personable and attractive鈥� these are spoiled, selfish criminals) took full advantage of.
I鈥檓 sure there鈥檚 a streaming service developing a series鈥� I look forward to it as I would have liked a little 鈥渇ictionalization鈥� with my true crime. (I know, I know鈥� then it鈥檚 not non-fiction says the bookworm who prefers historical fiction to non-fiction nine times out of 10).
(Reviewed 3/24/24)
November 21, 2023
The Art Thief is a book about obsession, hoarding, and the insatiable desire to steal precious artifacts. The one aspect that makes this story a bit unique is the fact that the main thief does not take the antiquities to sell; he displays them to admire them in an attic imbedded in a typical suburban neighborhood.
St茅phane Breitwieser and his girlfriend stole over 200 items from museums, fairs, auctions, and cathedrals across Europe for nearly a decade. They circumvented authorities by picking up less-known items using only a standard Swiss army knife and a bit of luck.
The art they steal is varied. An ivory sculpture in Belgium, a tobacco holder, a bugle, some paintings, and a few large sculptures, to name a few. Most of their work is spontaneous and only takes a few minutes. Sometimes they steal several items per day!
But as Breitwieser gets older and the scores get larger in scope, Anne-Catherine eventually wants more stability in their relationship. If he gets caught, she is an accomplice and will be brought to justice as well.
It eventually all comes crashing down, and the authorities start putting the pieces together. Will the couple make it off Scott-free? What happens to the art room if they get caught? The story ends at a fairly recent date, and if the track record of Breitwieser stands, I am sure there will be more to the tale in the near future.
I read an interview with the author about the book, and although admiration is not the word I would choose, the quote is fairly spot on:
鈥淓very reader can have a different opinion at the end between admiration and disgust, and nobody鈥檚 wrong.鈥�
*Read with the witty, cunning, and intrepid, Helga. Thank you for talking thievery and art! :)
馃幍| Soundtrack |馃幍
鉂� 38 Special 鈥� Hold on Loosely
鉂� Bachman-Turner Overdrive 鈥� You Ain鈥檛 Seen Nothing Yet
鉂� Hall & Oats 鈥� You鈥檒l Never Learn
猸� | Rating | 猸�
鉂� 3.5 out of 5 鉂�
St茅phane Breitwieser and his girlfriend stole over 200 items from museums, fairs, auctions, and cathedrals across Europe for nearly a decade. They circumvented authorities by picking up less-known items using only a standard Swiss army knife and a bit of luck.
The art they steal is varied. An ivory sculpture in Belgium, a tobacco holder, a bugle, some paintings, and a few large sculptures, to name a few. Most of their work is spontaneous and only takes a few minutes. Sometimes they steal several items per day!
But as Breitwieser gets older and the scores get larger in scope, Anne-Catherine eventually wants more stability in their relationship. If he gets caught, she is an accomplice and will be brought to justice as well.
It eventually all comes crashing down, and the authorities start putting the pieces together. Will the couple make it off Scott-free? What happens to the art room if they get caught? The story ends at a fairly recent date, and if the track record of Breitwieser stands, I am sure there will be more to the tale in the near future.
I read an interview with the author about the book, and although admiration is not the word I would choose, the quote is fairly spot on:
鈥淓very reader can have a different opinion at the end between admiration and disgust, and nobody鈥檚 wrong.鈥�
*Read with the witty, cunning, and intrepid, Helga. Thank you for talking thievery and art! :)
馃幍| Soundtrack |馃幍
鉂� 38 Special 鈥� Hold on Loosely
鉂� Bachman-Turner Overdrive 鈥� You Ain鈥檛 Seen Nothing Yet
鉂� Hall & Oats 鈥� You鈥檒l Never Learn
猸� | Rating | 猸�
鉂� 3.5 out of 5 鉂�
July 11, 2024
Meticulously researched and thus very detailed, Finkel's account of the many heists and obsessions of art thief (who admitted to stealing 239 works from 172 museums) is certainly packed with info and additional background. What it lacks though is a convincing style: This story is begging to be turned into narrative non-fiction, but the text reads more like a summary of research results, which is a shame, because the psychological disposition of compulsive collector/criminal Breitwieser and the author's lengthy attempts to get this man to talk could have made for a riveting non-fic thriller 脿 la .
There are even minor characters who are a mysterious mess, like Breitwieser's ex-girlfriend and his mother. And of course, there is the question how this was even possible, how it can be relatively feasible to just take exhibits from the world's most important museums. What a captivating topic.
I just wish the language and narrative outline would support the story's intrigue.
There are even minor characters who are a mysterious mess, like Breitwieser's ex-girlfriend and his mother. And of course, there is the question how this was even possible, how it can be relatively feasible to just take exhibits from the world's most important museums. What a captivating topic.
I just wish the language and narrative outline would support the story's intrigue.
November 10, 2023
This book is so out of my comfort zone I don't even know where to begin.
First of all - the format. Usually when I read non-fiction books I love huge bibliography with references clearly marked in the text. This one misses even a proper bibliography but I found it strangely fitting since the whole book feels very chatty - like a podcast that was written down and published.
Second of all - topic. I am not very into art and for majority of the time I differentiate only two types of it - the one I like and one I do not like. This book opened my eyes to fascinating aspect of art that I did not considered before - the thefts. Seems like its almost impossible to talk about art pieces and not mention crimes that were tied to them and I found that far more exhilarating than studying composition/lighting/craftsmanship of discussed pieces.
Third of all - strangeness of the described case. Stephane Breitweiser was not a kleptomaniac and yet he got consumed by the act of the stealing. Was he really a superb aesthete or it's just a person with problems that happen to inhabit enabling environment? What really happened with the remining missing art pieces? It's strange to be left with so many questions and yet feel satisfied by the story.
Forth of all - I have not visited a museum in couple years but now I feel a strange urge to visit one. Maybe to contemplate the pieces of exhibited art or maybe, just maybe, to check how the security in the museum works and why it was so easy for Breitweiser to steal.
Great book.
First of all - the format. Usually when I read non-fiction books I love huge bibliography with references clearly marked in the text. This one misses even a proper bibliography but I found it strangely fitting since the whole book feels very chatty - like a podcast that was written down and published.
Second of all - topic. I am not very into art and for majority of the time I differentiate only two types of it - the one I like and one I do not like. This book opened my eyes to fascinating aspect of art that I did not considered before - the thefts. Seems like its almost impossible to talk about art pieces and not mention crimes that were tied to them and I found that far more exhilarating than studying composition/lighting/craftsmanship of discussed pieces.
Third of all - strangeness of the described case. Stephane Breitweiser was not a kleptomaniac and yet he got consumed by the act of the stealing. Was he really a superb aesthete or it's just a person with problems that happen to inhabit enabling environment? What really happened with the remining missing art pieces? It's strange to be left with so many questions and yet feel satisfied by the story.
Forth of all - I have not visited a museum in couple years but now I feel a strange urge to visit one. Maybe to contemplate the pieces of exhibited art or maybe, just maybe, to check how the security in the museum works and why it was so easy for Breitweiser to steal.
Great book.
November 21, 2024
Non-fiction November
Non-fiction Book Club
This was eye-opening. I suppose it shouldn't come as a surprise that only the most famous and well-trafficked museums have decent security measures, but I was floored by each crime.
St茅phane Breitwieser, a very mid looking white guy, and his ex spent years traveling through Europe, and stealing various works of art. This was not to resell, but to keep in the attic room he lived in at the time. He didn't work. He "couldn't keep a job." He was living off his mother. I'm not sure how that's attractive to a woman, but to each their own.
馃摫 Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf
August 6, 2023
Michael Finkel has written one of the more unusual true crime books in producing this tome outlining the criminal career of Stephane Breitwieser, a French man from the Alsace region who has one, possibly two, true loves in his life. His primary love is art, works of art, precious works of art of the primarily 17th century. His second love is the young woman who accompanies him during many of his exploits鈥攁 compulsive career of art theft solely for his personal pleasure.
In sections that occasionally made me squirm with discomfort, the reader accompanies Stephane on some of his 鈥渕issions鈥�, for they feel like tasks he is compelled to perform. The author presents this story from multiple perspectives: from that of Stephane Breitwieser, from the views of various psychiatrists and psychologists who have attempted to analyze him and his need for works of art, from the viewpoints of the police departments who eventually discovered and stopped him. It鈥檚 estimated that he probably stole more than 300 objects, all to keep and enjoy, all from small museums throughout Europe.
After that beginning, where we live with this man as he travels and commits his crimes (or 鈥渓iberations鈥�), the story grows increasingly complex and interesting as it opens up more facets of the story, the people and the eventual chase. I think that I found the beginning section unsettling because it was presented with no counter, no evidence of any price to be paid and, indeed, there wasn鈥檛 one for some time.
I do recommend this book to true crime enthusiasts, especially those interested in art crime and psychology.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a preview copy of this book. The review is my own.
In sections that occasionally made me squirm with discomfort, the reader accompanies Stephane on some of his 鈥渕issions鈥�, for they feel like tasks he is compelled to perform. The author presents this story from multiple perspectives: from that of Stephane Breitwieser, from the views of various psychiatrists and psychologists who have attempted to analyze him and his need for works of art, from the viewpoints of the police departments who eventually discovered and stopped him. It鈥檚 estimated that he probably stole more than 300 objects, all to keep and enjoy, all from small museums throughout Europe.
After that beginning, where we live with this man as he travels and commits his crimes (or 鈥渓iberations鈥�), the story grows increasingly complex and interesting as it opens up more facets of the story, the people and the eventual chase. I think that I found the beginning section unsettling because it was presented with no counter, no evidence of any price to be paid and, indeed, there wasn鈥檛 one for some time.
I do recommend this book to true crime enthusiasts, especially those interested in art crime and psychology.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a preview copy of this book. The review is my own.
November 8, 2023
The true crime story tells us about St茅phane Breitwieser, a successful thief who stole over 400 pieces from museums, auctions and churches in 7 different countries.
He was stealing not for money but for his love of art.
The Book has many details and facts and is very interesting and educational.
He was stealing not for money but for his love of art.
The Book has many details and facts and is very interesting and educational.
August 16, 2024
Nonfiction account of a prolific art heist. Wonderfully researched and written. Enjoyed!
September 3, 2023
Rating: 4.6
I'd first learned about the author when viewing the film adaptation of that starred Noah Hill and James Franco. While I've read numerous fiction stories on the subject, the summary captured my attention due to its completely unique premise.
Born in 1971, Stephane Breitweiser bonded with his grandfather whose home was furnished with antiques from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. As a child, he loved finding artifacts, pottery shards and arrowheads which he kept in his 'blue plastic box'. As great grandson of a well known artist which he often bragged about, his fascination with art from the 1600s grew. Breitweiser was extremely moody and anxiety prone, as well as awkward in social situations. Unlike his peers he'd subscribed to architecture and art magazines instead of playing video games or sports. During a visit to an archeological museum, a piece of lead from a Roman coffin broke off in his hand and was quickly stuffed in his pocket and taken home to add it to his childhood collection. Over time his fascination with figurines, ivory carvings and Renaissance art distanced him further from society. When his grandparents bought him a car, encounters with the police resulted with two weeks in a behavioral therapy clinic. During his senior year in high school, he met Anne-Catherine at a birthday party and it was love at first sight.
Living in the attic of his mother's home, the couple shared a mutual interest in antiquities, art, dishware and history. Their favorite recreational activity was visiting museums and during one such visit, Breitweiser spotted a flintlock pistol similar to one his father owned, but never allowed him to touch it. With Anne-Catherine watching for security guards of which there were few, he removed it from the display and stashed it his day pack and felt a rush of excitement when they left.
She worked as a nurse's assistant at a local hospital, while Breitweiser was supported by his mother who he referred to as Stengel, her surname. Their love grew and with it, their ploy deepened with every museum visit. Armed with nothing more than a Swiss Army knife, Breitweiser would analyze security while Anne-Catherine played lookout. Over a course of years, they managed over 200 thefts but instead of fencing the stolen pieces, they filled the attic without his mother's knowledge. Renaissance paintings, dishware, artifacts, ivory carvings and in one case a 150 lb statue, the estimated value was over $2B!
Perfect crimes always come to an end, and Breitweiser finally got caught. Sentenced to 5 years in prison, upon his release a publisher offered him $100K for the rights to his story. While on probation he got caught stealing again, and was sentenced to another spell behind bars.
Engaging and immersive, this is one of the most unique, factual stories you'll read and when compared to its fictional counterparts, trumps everyone of them in spades. You don't need to be interested in art to enjoy this, since this astounding couple's line of thefts is surreal! Mystery and crime are a popular genre and if you enjoy it, add this to your list.
I'd first learned about the author when viewing the film adaptation of that starred Noah Hill and James Franco. While I've read numerous fiction stories on the subject, the summary captured my attention due to its completely unique premise.
Born in 1971, Stephane Breitweiser bonded with his grandfather whose home was furnished with antiques from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. As a child, he loved finding artifacts, pottery shards and arrowheads which he kept in his 'blue plastic box'. As great grandson of a well known artist which he often bragged about, his fascination with art from the 1600s grew. Breitweiser was extremely moody and anxiety prone, as well as awkward in social situations. Unlike his peers he'd subscribed to architecture and art magazines instead of playing video games or sports. During a visit to an archeological museum, a piece of lead from a Roman coffin broke off in his hand and was quickly stuffed in his pocket and taken home to add it to his childhood collection. Over time his fascination with figurines, ivory carvings and Renaissance art distanced him further from society. When his grandparents bought him a car, encounters with the police resulted with two weeks in a behavioral therapy clinic. During his senior year in high school, he met Anne-Catherine at a birthday party and it was love at first sight.
Living in the attic of his mother's home, the couple shared a mutual interest in antiquities, art, dishware and history. Their favorite recreational activity was visiting museums and during one such visit, Breitweiser spotted a flintlock pistol similar to one his father owned, but never allowed him to touch it. With Anne-Catherine watching for security guards of which there were few, he removed it from the display and stashed it his day pack and felt a rush of excitement when they left.
She worked as a nurse's assistant at a local hospital, while Breitweiser was supported by his mother who he referred to as Stengel, her surname. Their love grew and with it, their ploy deepened with every museum visit. Armed with nothing more than a Swiss Army knife, Breitweiser would analyze security while Anne-Catherine played lookout. Over a course of years, they managed over 200 thefts but instead of fencing the stolen pieces, they filled the attic without his mother's knowledge. Renaissance paintings, dishware, artifacts, ivory carvings and in one case a 150 lb statue, the estimated value was over $2B!
Perfect crimes always come to an end, and Breitweiser finally got caught. Sentenced to 5 years in prison, upon his release a publisher offered him $100K for the rights to his story. While on probation he got caught stealing again, and was sentenced to another spell behind bars.
Engaging and immersive, this is one of the most unique, factual stories you'll read and when compared to its fictional counterparts, trumps everyone of them in spades. You don't need to be interested in art to enjoy this, since this astounding couple's line of thefts is surreal! Mystery and crime are a popular genre and if you enjoy it, add this to your list.
February 27, 2024
I have just read a book about some of the most despicable people you will ever meet on a page. The fact is this is not fiction, these people are real.
Apart from St茅phane Breitwieser and his girlfriend Anne-Catherine there is Breitwieser鈥檚 mother and father who also, as far as I can tell, would baffle psychologists.
Art thieves mostly steal for profit. Not so with St茅phane Breitwieser and his girlfriend Anne-Catherine. He steals because he loves art.馃
He lived in an attic in his mother鈥檚 house with Anne-Catherine for most of his life where he accumulated his stolen art like a pack-rat. During a 6 year period he stole approx. 239+ pieces of art all held in the attic in his mother鈥檚 house where, according to his mother, she had no knowledge of until he was arrested.
Most shocking is what happened to these priceless art treasures once he is arrested and his mother is made aware of his actions.
Psychologist have tried to define the psychology behind his obsession with not just art but the stealing of art 鈥� none have been able to do so. He is not a kleptomaniac. One professional called it Stendhal syndrome, but that does not fit the person in this book. He just happens to be an aberrant of nature.
The book is as well researched as possible. The author actually managed to interview St茅phane Breitwieser over a period of time. As much as I despise this supposed lover of art I found the book a fascinating read for anyone interested in art.
Apart from St茅phane Breitwieser and his girlfriend Anne-Catherine there is Breitwieser鈥檚 mother and father who also, as far as I can tell, would baffle psychologists.
Art thieves mostly steal for profit. Not so with St茅phane Breitwieser and his girlfriend Anne-Catherine. He steals because he loves art.馃
He lived in an attic in his mother鈥檚 house with Anne-Catherine for most of his life where he accumulated his stolen art like a pack-rat. During a 6 year period he stole approx. 239+ pieces of art all held in the attic in his mother鈥檚 house where, according to his mother, she had no knowledge of until he was arrested.
Most shocking is what happened to these priceless art treasures once he is arrested and his mother is made aware of his actions.
Psychologist have tried to define the psychology behind his obsession with not just art but the stealing of art 鈥� none have been able to do so. He is not a kleptomaniac. One professional called it Stendhal syndrome, but that does not fit the person in this book. He just happens to be an aberrant of nature.
The book is as well researched as possible. The author actually managed to interview St茅phane Breitwieser over a period of time. As much as I despise this supposed lover of art I found the book a fascinating read for anyone interested in art.
Read
August 12, 2024I feel conflicted about this one because while it was interesting it really dragged because of the repetitiveness.
July 30, 2024
5/5
Kaip patiko!!! Kaip geriausias veiksmo filmas, kaip 寞domiausias romanas, kur寞 skaitydama ir aik膷iojau, ir draugui vis pasakojau kaip jam reikiareikiareikia perskaityt, ir kelis kartus net glaud啪iau rank膮 prie kr奴tin臈s, kaip 19 a. dama, besigriebianti u啪 perl懦 v臈rinio, nes eina sau, kaip per 拧ird寞 臈jo tas suvokimas, kokia 啪ala padaryta, kaip 拧irdis kraujavo d臈l meno, taip gadinto ir i拧 visuomen臈s atimto, kaip buvo sunku suvokti, kad 啪mon臈s gali taip elgtis 鈥� taip bedievi拧kai, taip siaubingai, taip ner奴pestingai. Pasakojimas labai 寞domus moraliniu aspektu, nes autorius tiesiog tobulai pav臈啪ina tikrais amerikieti拧kais kalneliais 鈥� jauti ir pakyl臈jim膮, ir net ka啪kok寞 lyg adrenalin膮, tarsi pats vogtum, ir pasibais臈jim膮, ir mint寞 鈥� dieve, dar ir taip gali b奴ti? Vis svarstai 鈥� o k膮 a拧 dary膷iau vieno ar kito apra拧omo 啪mogaus vietoje, kaip elg膷iausi, k膮 b奴膷iau sakiusi, k a m b奴膷iau sakiusi? Norisi ir g奴glinti, o tuo pa膷iu ir nesinori atsitraukti nuo teksto, nes eina sau, kaip 寞traukia 鈥� suskai膷iau vienu pris臈dimu.
Negaliu nepamin臈ti ir gyvo, puikaus, labai kokybi拧ko Dariaus Krasausko vertimo. Jis net pakomentuoja kai kuriuos autoriaus sprendimus, atkreipia d臈mes寞 寞 kelias klaidas! Tikras malonumas skaityti tekst膮, kur寞 vert臈jas, 寞tariu, net pakyl臈ja 寞 auk拧tesn寞 literat奴rin寞 lyg寞. Tod臈l ne tik lauksiu pagal 拧i膮 istorij膮 pastatyto filmo ar serialo (kaip gal臈t懦 tokio neb奴ti??? A拧 net jau apgalvojau, k膮 cast鈥榠n膷iau 寞 kur寞 vaidmen寞!), bet ir labai rekomenduoju skaityti 鈥� visapusi拧kai puikus, lengvai skaitomas, bet kokybi拧kai para拧ytas, 寞traukiantis, min膷i懦 gausyb臋 sukeliantis ir sunkiai pamir拧tamas pasakojimas.
Kaip patiko!!! Kaip geriausias veiksmo filmas, kaip 寞domiausias romanas, kur寞 skaitydama ir aik膷iojau, ir draugui vis pasakojau kaip jam reikiareikiareikia perskaityt, ir kelis kartus net glaud啪iau rank膮 prie kr奴tin臈s, kaip 19 a. dama, besigriebianti u啪 perl懦 v臈rinio, nes eina sau, kaip per 拧ird寞 臈jo tas suvokimas, kokia 啪ala padaryta, kaip 拧irdis kraujavo d臈l meno, taip gadinto ir i拧 visuomen臈s atimto, kaip buvo sunku suvokti, kad 啪mon臈s gali taip elgtis 鈥� taip bedievi拧kai, taip siaubingai, taip ner奴pestingai. Pasakojimas labai 寞domus moraliniu aspektu, nes autorius tiesiog tobulai pav臈啪ina tikrais amerikieti拧kais kalneliais 鈥� jauti ir pakyl臈jim膮, ir net ka啪kok寞 lyg adrenalin膮, tarsi pats vogtum, ir pasibais臈jim膮, ir mint寞 鈥� dieve, dar ir taip gali b奴ti? Vis svarstai 鈥� o k膮 a拧 dary膷iau vieno ar kito apra拧omo 啪mogaus vietoje, kaip elg膷iausi, k膮 b奴膷iau sakiusi, k a m b奴膷iau sakiusi? Norisi ir g奴glinti, o tuo pa膷iu ir nesinori atsitraukti nuo teksto, nes eina sau, kaip 寞traukia 鈥� suskai膷iau vienu pris臈dimu.
Negaliu nepamin臈ti ir gyvo, puikaus, labai kokybi拧ko Dariaus Krasausko vertimo. Jis net pakomentuoja kai kuriuos autoriaus sprendimus, atkreipia d臈mes寞 寞 kelias klaidas! Tikras malonumas skaityti tekst膮, kur寞 vert臈jas, 寞tariu, net pakyl臈ja 寞 auk拧tesn寞 literat奴rin寞 lyg寞. Tod臈l ne tik lauksiu pagal 拧i膮 istorij膮 pastatyto filmo ar serialo (kaip gal臈t懦 tokio neb奴ti??? A拧 net jau apgalvojau, k膮 cast鈥榠n膷iau 寞 kur寞 vaidmen寞!), bet ir labai rekomenduoju skaityti 鈥� visapusi拧kai puikus, lengvai skaitomas, bet kokybi拧kai para拧ytas, 寞traukiantis, min膷i懦 gausyb臋 sukeliantis ir sunkiai pamir拧tamas pasakojimas.
August 12, 2023
I love reading about art crime: thefts, forgeries, etc. This one got good reviews, so I pounced on it - in spite of the author. I rather liked Finkel's previous Stranger in the Woods - on a lukewarm, 3-star level - but mostly because the subject of the book was more interesting and sympathetic. Finkel has a checkered background, fired from the New York Times for fabricating elements of a story, and his relationship with the "stranger" Christopher Knight was a bit weird. The art thief, Stephane Breitwieser, is no such sympathetic character. He is pretty loathsome, in fact. A standout narcissist, he roams Europe's regional museums, stealthily stealing whatever takes his fancy. He doesn't break in, he doesn't pistol-whip guards or hurt anyone, and he doesn't even sell off the art he steals (worth many millions, ultimately). He just hoards it, because he believes he is the only person in the world who properly appreciates it. So if it takes his fancy, he just takes it, in collusion with his compliant girlfriend. After he gets caught, and goes to prison for a few months (shortened sentences because his crimes were non-violent), he comes out... and resumes stealing. His mother destroys many of the works he stole to cover up what he'd done; she goes to prison for a few months too.
I read about half the book, and quit. One: it's written in the present tense, which I *almost* always find gimmicky and tricksy. It's supposed to make you feel like "you're there" as Breitwieser unscrews display cases as guards amble past in the corridor; instead it feels like Finkel is using a tired trick to *try* to make you feel that way. Two: Breitwieser is such a creep, with a sick compulsion and zero remorse or even acknowledgement that what he does could be seen as a problem. Three: Finkel all but fawns on him: how clever, how deft, how amazing that he could pull it off. Four: a review in the major trade journal in the art world, ArtNews, points out several errors of fact (including a dramatic and distorted claim that Picasso was accused of stealing the Mona Lisa), and given Finkel's history of fabrication, that doesn't sit well. I started to just feel slimy as I read. So I stopped. I might be more inclined to read a more critical book about Breitwieser's larceny called La Collection Egoiste ("The Selfish Collection") by Vincent Noce, but my rusty French may not be up to it.
I read about half the book, and quit. One: it's written in the present tense, which I *almost* always find gimmicky and tricksy. It's supposed to make you feel like "you're there" as Breitwieser unscrews display cases as guards amble past in the corridor; instead it feels like Finkel is using a tired trick to *try* to make you feel that way. Two: Breitwieser is such a creep, with a sick compulsion and zero remorse or even acknowledgement that what he does could be seen as a problem. Three: Finkel all but fawns on him: how clever, how deft, how amazing that he could pull it off. Four: a review in the major trade journal in the art world, ArtNews, points out several errors of fact (including a dramatic and distorted claim that Picasso was accused of stealing the Mona Lisa), and given Finkel's history of fabrication, that doesn't sit well. I started to just feel slimy as I read. So I stopped. I might be more inclined to read a more critical book about Breitwieser's larceny called La Collection Egoiste ("The Selfish Collection") by Vincent Noce, but my rusty French may not be up to it.
May 18, 2024
"Until recently, no one could adequately explain why art even existed at all. Art seems to contradict Charles Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection which states that a species survives on a hostile planet, only by eliminating inefficiency and waste. Creating art consumes time, effort, and resources without providing food, clothing, or shelter. Yet art is present across every culture on Earth, varied in style but communally revealing what lies beyond words."
This was really fascinating. So St茅phane Breitwieser has stolen between 1 billion and 2 billion dollars of art, all across Europe in multiple countries. He stole it because he loves art. He is snobby about it to the point that he thinks he appreciates more than anyone else would, so why shouldn't he just have it? Ultimately he is just a hoarder like anyone else that hoards a collection. When it gets to the point that attaining the stuff is better than actually having it.
It was really an unbelievable story. The European spin on the legal system when it comes to theft of this magnitude was quite interesting as well. It was a quick read, and there were several noteworthy quotes and things that made me think.
This was really fascinating. So St茅phane Breitwieser has stolen between 1 billion and 2 billion dollars of art, all across Europe in multiple countries. He stole it because he loves art. He is snobby about it to the point that he thinks he appreciates more than anyone else would, so why shouldn't he just have it? Ultimately he is just a hoarder like anyone else that hoards a collection. When it gets to the point that attaining the stuff is better than actually having it.
It was really an unbelievable story. The European spin on the legal system when it comes to theft of this magnitude was quite interesting as well. It was a quick read, and there were several noteworthy quotes and things that made me think.
September 18, 2023
Stendhal Syndrome -- a psychosomatic condition involving rapid heartbeat, fainting and swooning and being overcome physically and emotionally when an individual is exposed to objects, artworks, or phenomena of great beauty.
The true story of an Art thief I'd never heard of. A man who loved art, Renaissance Art and medieval art in particular, who must possess it. He steals not for money but for love and collects. A story that is unbelievable at times, read so beautifully by Edoardo Ballerini that I binge listened to a large part of it. The story gets a little redundant at times (4 star rating) but I knew he would be caught and he does so well for so long I had to find out how and why or in what way he would eventually be tripped up.
The thieving is only half the tale, it is what happens next which is equally amazing. A really great piece of narrative non-fiction. Reads like a novel and was a great story taking place not so long ago (1990's). Would have loved a little more art background but it is mostly a character study and crime story brought to light.
I listened to it on audio but stumbled on the book while in a book store and was amazed to see the many color plates of the some of the items that were stolen by this man over the years. So even if you listen to this wonderful audio I would advise picking up the book as the pictures bring the story to colorful life.
The true story of an Art thief I'd never heard of. A man who loved art, Renaissance Art and medieval art in particular, who must possess it. He steals not for money but for love and collects. A story that is unbelievable at times, read so beautifully by Edoardo Ballerini that I binge listened to a large part of it. The story gets a little redundant at times (4 star rating) but I knew he would be caught and he does so well for so long I had to find out how and why or in what way he would eventually be tripped up.
The thieving is only half the tale, it is what happens next which is equally amazing. A really great piece of narrative non-fiction. Reads like a novel and was a great story taking place not so long ago (1990's). Would have loved a little more art background but it is mostly a character study and crime story brought to light.
I listened to it on audio but stumbled on the book while in a book store and was amazed to see the many color plates of the some of the items that were stolen by this man over the years. So even if you listen to this wonderful audio I would advise picking up the book as the pictures bring the story to colorful life.
September 30, 2023
mom needs to stop paying his rent
September 29, 2024
A fascinating subject to study. This book is a good factual non-fiction account of the prolific art thief. If anything, due to the nature of the crimes, it lacks some tension and drama around the thefts. Would make for a brilliant film or fictional book.
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