Overview: This compelling narrative nonfiction unfolds the captivating story of how the "Mona Lisa" was stolen from the Louvre, resulting in its rise to global fame. The robbery not only changed the perception of this iconic portrait but also sparked a frenzy around its creator, Leonardo da Vinci, in an era filled with revolutionary changes.
On a hot August day over a century ago, panic swept through the Louvre as a guard stormed into the director's office, exclaiming, "La Joconde, c’est parti!" The painting was gone! The heist sent shockwaves through Paris, igniting debates about who could be behind it. Was it a sophisticated gang of thieves, an art-obsessed millionaire from across the sea, or perhaps even the artist Pablo Picasso, poised to forever alter the art world?
Travel back to the turn of the century in Paris, a city alive with creative fervor and intrigue. Walk through its enigmatic backstreets, where the famous thieves and detectives of the time operated. Experience the vibrant culture that birthed legends and shaped society. This narrative weaves together thrilling insights, combining historical research with vivid storytelling.
But the tale doesn’t end there; the book peels back the layers surrounding Leonardo da Vinci himself, revealing aspects of his life you might not have imagined. It ventures into the intriguing philosophy of art and genius, culminating in the shocking revelation that the "Mona Lisa"—the most beloved painting in the world—should never have existed at all.
This middle-grade nonfiction is masterfully paced like a thriller, filled with elements of crime, celebrity, and beauty that will captivate readers of all ages. Delve into a world where art transcends time, and the stories behind masterpieces become legends.
