[audio:http://www.artmarketmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Stealing-Rembrandts.mp3|titles=Stealing Rembrandts]

Public Radio International goes beyond the Santa Monica Rembrandt theft to talk to Anthony Amore who has written a book about “Stealing Rembrandt:”

In his book, Amore highlights 81 thefts of Rembrandts in the past 100 years. The Dutch artist is the second most stolen artist in history, behind Picasso. But then, Picasso did produce more work. According to Amore, the value of Rembrandts, combined with ease of access — every major city’s museum has Rembrandts — creates a “perfect storm” for a thief. One particular piece, called the “takeaway Rembrandt”, has been stolen four times.

“It’s an amazing story” Amore says. “The portrait of Jacob de Gheyn by Rembrandt. Jacob de Gheyn wound up at the Dulwich picture gallery. From 1966 until around the mid-80s, the painting was stolen four times in different manners and for different reasons, and it’s a great little illustration of how art theft happens and why.”

Why Rembrandt’s Are Highly Popular with Thieves (Public Radio International)