Art Detectives: Mystery of the Stolen Mona Lisa

Follow the clues of the stolen Mona Lisa and see if you can determine who the real culprit was. Students will examine the top suspects in the greatest art theft in history and write about who they think took the painting.

This lesson has been carefully researched for historical accuracy. The facts, suspects, and evidence are true and have been simplified so students can learn about a real crime as well as art history. Photos of the real suspects, criminal, and crime scene will bring this historical event to life in your classroom. (Don't worry- there's nothing scandalous you won't want your students to see!) Included in this download is a worksheet for your students to make notes about the clues and suspects in the case and make their own conclusion as they listen to the case.

This download includes information about:

Leonardo da Vinci

"Was Mona Lisa a real person?"

The Louvre

A letter from the Chief inviting students to help solve the mystery

A timeline of events in the theft

Clues

Four of the top suspects in the case (including Pablo Picasso! YES- really!!)

Journal Activity

The catching of the criminal

How and why the thief did it

The legend of the Mona Lisa

*This product is NOT editable.

If you are doing a unit on France, consider also checking out

France: An Introduction to the Art, Culture, Sights, and Food