Summary

Stéphane Breitwieser, though possibly the most prolific art thief in history, sees himself not as a criminal but as an unorthodox collector. He takes pride in his meticulous approach to stealing art, contrasting sharply with the actions of other vandals he vehemently criticizes. Unlike those motivated by financial gain, Stéphane steals art purely for the emotional connection and intimacy it provides. Each stolen piece is carefully selected, evoking a profound response within him, and he believes that keeping these masterpieces in his apartment ensures better preservation and appreciation than in museums.

The distinction between Stéphane and traditional art thieves lies in his reverence and respect for the stolen works. He goes to great lengths to avoid damaging the pieces during theft, opting to gently remove paintings from their frames rather than recklessly cutting into them. Moreover, he refrains from taking...