The recent $100 million theft at the Louvre has thrust France’s historic Crown Jewels — long admired domestically but little known internationally — into the global spotlight, much like the Mona Lisa after its 1911 theft.

The robbery, which took place in the Apollo Gallery, has sparked worldwide media attention. Authorities say the thieves scaled the building from the Seine-facing side, broke a window, smashed two display cases, and fled on motorbikes within minutes. While some stolen items have been recovered, most remain missing, including royal and imperial pieces adorned with sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds, many tied to Empress Eugénie and other French royals.

Art historians say the theft, though a grave loss, could paradoxically elevate the jewels’ fame. “The drama, the heist, and the Apollo Gallery itself may shine a new spotlight on these treasures, much like the Mona Lisa after 1911,” said Anya Firestone, a Paris-based heritage expert. Visitors are already drawn to the scene, curious to witness where history was stolen.

For France, the stolen jewels are more than valuable stones; they are tangible chapters of national history, representing the monarchy, Napoleon’s empire, and the evolution of modern France. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez called the loss “immeasurable,” while Louvre director Laurence des Cars acknowledged serious security lapses and proposed additional safeguards.

Despite the theft, the museum reopened to full crowds, with staff warning that the Apollo Gallery’s closure and stretched security make managing visitors challenging. Curators emphasize the importance of preserving the originals, warning against recutting or melting the jewels, which would erase their historical authenticity.

The Louvre heist leaves an uneasy question: Can a crime that tore deeply into France’s heritage also cement the jewels as legendary symbols? Experts say in the “economy of fame, even bad news becomes attention — and attention can make icons.”

Source: AP