The Art Thief

For centuries, art theft has occurred in various forms and motivations, but none match the scale and success of Breitwieser. Over nearly a decade, this master thief, along with his girlfriend who served as his lookout, carried out over 200 heists across Europe, targeting museums, cathedrals, and private collections. Together, they stole more than 300 priceless objects, until their escapades ended in a dramatic downfall.

In The Art Thief, Finkel delves deep into Breitwieser's unique world—unlike most criminals, Breitwieser did not steal for financial gain. Instead, he kept all his stolen treasures in his home, where he could admire them in private. The book explores his extraordinary appreciation for art and his uncanny ability to outwit sophisticated security systems.

Breitwieser's remarkable talents, however, came with a dangerous penchant for risk and an addictive need to acquire more art. Despite his girlfriend’s desperate pleas to cease his activities, Breitwieser's relentless ambition pushed him to continue his audacious exploits until one final act of hubris led to his capture.

This riveting tale is not only a chronicle of high-stakes art theft but also a profound exploration of an insatiable desire to possess beauty at any cost. With its enthralling narrative and nearly unbelievable twists and turns, The Art Thief stands out as a captivating read. Michael Finkel masterfully captures the thrill of the heist and the fascinating psyche of a man who defied the odds to amass an extraordinary collection.

A spellbinding portrait crafted by the bestselling author of The Stranger in the Woods, The Art Thief is a compelling story of art, crime, and the extraordinary lengths one individual went to in order to fulfil his passion.