The Theft of the 210-Kilogram Salvador Dalí Book in Issoire
Thieves have stolen a 210-kilogram bronze book by Spanish artist Salvador Dalí from a small museum in Issoire, France, Nieuwsblad reported. The artwork, titled ‘L’Apocalypse’, vanished from the Centre for Contemporary Art between the evening of October 4, 2026, and the morning of October 5, 2026, according to an announcement by the public prosecutor’s office of Clermont-Ferrand. Earmarked by its owner as “the most expensive book in the world,” the heavy tome features a sculpted bronze cover decorated with gold, gemstones, and shells.
Investigation and Unanswered Questions at the Museum
A special team from the French gendarmerie is currently investigating the theft to determine how the perpetrators managed to remove the massive 210-kilogram volume without triggering any alarms. Authorities are also reviewing whether the incident shares any links with prior art he thefts across the country.
History and Provenance of ‘L’Apocalypse’
Art publisher Joseph Forêt conceived the volume in 1958, drawing inspiration from the Gospel of John and executing it on immense parchment sheets created with contributions from fourteen major 20th-century painters and writers. Following worldwide exhibitions between 1961 and 1972, the piece went missing for a period, spent time in storage in Switzerland, and was eventually sold to Japanese collectors. Christian Karoutzos, director of an art restoration business in Issoire, acquired the book in 2003 just as those collectors prepared to auction it piece by piece.
Broader Security Concerns Across French Museums
Mayor Bertrand Barraud of Issoire described the loss to the local community and French heritage as “priceless” and a “lifework” after speaking with an extremely upset Karoutzos. This incident follows a string of high-profile security breaches at French cultural institutions, including an 88-million-euro jewelry heist at the Louvre in Paris a year prior and the theft of Renoir paintings from a museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer the previous month, where thieves also reportedly entered through a window.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Stolen Dalí Book
When was the theft discovered?
The theft of the Dalí book was discovered on the morning of October 5, 2026, after the thieves broke into the Centre for Contemporary Art in Issoire sometime after Sunday evening.
Who currently owns the stolen artwork?
The book belongs to Christian Karoutzos, the director of an art restoration company based in Issoire who purchased the piece in 2003.
How much does the bronze book weigh?
The artwork weighs 210 kilograms and features a sculpted bronze cover adorned with gold, gemstones, and shells.
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