BOOKS: Vanished Smile

In 1911 the Mona Lisa was stolen, gone for two years before it was recovered. It’s quite a story, but it’s a story not much told today, especially the details. R.A. Scotti in her recent book, “Vanished Smile The Mysterious Theft Of The Mona Lisa,” fills in the gaps with a fine detailed account of all the evidence that we know today. The circumstances surrounding the theft are intriguing and the crime has still not been fully solved. Who exactly was involved and what were their motives? Renowned French criminologist Alphonse Bertillon was called in but the trail was cold. Some of the facts as we know them: no one noticed it was gone for 24 hours, Pablo Picasso was a prime suspect, it was gone for over 2 years and a letter signed, “Leonardo” finally led police to the painting. The painting was found in Florence in 1913 and the official explanation was that a young Italian patriot stole it to return it rightfully to Italian soil. But not so fast?? Scotti doesn’t buy it. She thinks the crime is far from being solved. In her engrossing account, akin to a crime novel, Scotti pieces together what she thinks may have happened. She summons all the personalities involved: the perpetrator, the museum officials, the police inspectors, the French officials, the criminologist, the petty thieves, the forgers, and the number one suspect, Pablo Picasso. Interwoven into this milieu of mystery is the story of Leonardo, his era and his famous painting as well as the unique painting techniques he used to produce the Mona Lisa. In the end we find out how the thief was apprehended and how he suggested that others were involved. Was a ring of art thieves involved? No spoilers here. Scotti makes accessible the riveting story of one the most audacious thefts ever committed and tells the story with the mystery and intrigue of a novel. Recommended.