The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-12-13
Da Vinci's Masterpiece
Will Be Returned
to France.
MISSING FOR MORE
TIL AN TWO YEARS
Most Celebrated Portrait of Wo-
man Ever Painted Recovered
Under Curious Circumstances
by Antiquary of Florence.
In Almost Perfect State
of Preservation.

Florence. Italy. December lc-Lecn-
ardo da Vincrs masterpiece. Mona
Lisa which fnystcriously disappeared
from the Louvre In August, 1911. was
found to-day in Florence. Tho man
who stule II WAS arrested. He is an
Italian.
Italian authorities ana will be re
turned To France.
Mona Lisa or la Gioconda." as 1t
Is more popularity known the most
celebrated portrait OF a woman ever
painted. has been tho object of .x-
hausttve scrrch In all quarters OF the
gloic
Tho picture was recovered under
curious circumstances. An Italian
wrote to Signor Geri. an antiuuary of
Florence. Some weeks ago. saying
am in possession OF the missing
Mona Lisa but, being patriotic
Italian, desire it shall remain in
Florence. the centre OF Italian art
He signed the letter Leonard" The
antiquary at first paid small attcn-
ton to it. thinking he had TO deal
with a mad man. Later. however. he
communicated with DR. PogGi, director
OF the Florentine museums, who sug-
gested that he continue the correspond
cncc.
Appointment to View Picture.
An appointment was arranged where
oy Geri was 10 view the picture at
Gillian. Tho date set was November
/ but unforeseen circumstances pre-
ven-ed tho meeting.
young man. fairly. we'll dressed
visited Geri yesterday. He said he was
Leonard ana was staying at the
Hotel Tripol. He asked Gcri TO go
with him to sec the picture SlEnor
Gcri notified DR.. Poggi. who fastened
TO the hotel. and ON being shown the
painting, recognized it as the genuine
Mona Lisa"
Dr. Poggi asked 10 be allowed to
take the picture with him so that he
might compare it with other works
He made an appointment to meet
Leonard this afternoon at the hotel 10
agree upon the price. The director
took with him several officers, who
placed the man under arrest
The prisoner said his real name is
Nincenzo Perugia. and is by profession
decorator. For six years he lived
in France, and for three years was
employed at the Louvre.
Pcruyia posed at a patriot
II was ashamed" he said. that for
more than century no Italian had
thought OF avcnging the spoliation
committed by Frenchmcn under Ma
poleon when they carried off from the
Italian museums and galleries pie
lures, statues and trcasurers OF all
kinds"
Art stolen From Italy.
He had often observed. ne said. i'm
the Louvre many works of art stolen
from Italy and conceived the idea OF
returning To it's true home Leonardo
da Ninci's masterpiece. lie entered the
Louvre carly in the morning, detached
the picture and removed the canvas
from the frame. He concealed the
frame under the back stairs, where il
WAS afterwards found He hid the
picture beneath his workman's blouse
and succeeded in leaving the place
without attracting suspicion.
Al the time OF the theft Pcrugia was
knew all the exits and entrances and
painting concealed, ho said. until his
Italian people.
by DR.. Corrado Ricci. director general
OF the Department OF Fine Arts.
News of the discovery of Mona
them men prominent in the official
circles of Italy. laughed at the defense
Of the thief
Signor Credaro. Minister of Public
Instruction. said:
French ambassador with solcmnity
worthy Leonardo da Vinci and spirit
Of happiness worthy OF Mona Lisa's
smile Although the masterpiece is
dear TO all Italians as one Of the best
productions of the genius of their race
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