Scandal at the Louvre: A Political Metaphor

he whole of France has been in shock since the announcement of the spectacular burglary that took place on the morning of Sunday, October 19th, at the Louvre. Nine crown jewels were stolen with disconcerting ease; eight are still missing. President Macron has pledged to do everything in his power to recover these priceless historical treasures, but his determination will not make people forget the incredible chain of negligence that allowed such a crime to succeed.

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This is not the first time that the Louvre has been the scene of spectacular thefts, as this palace-museum, sometimes described as “the most beautiful museum in the world,” houses priceless treasures of universal art and history. “La Gioconda” herself, Leonardo da Vinci’s famous portrait of the enigmatic Mona Lisa, has been targeted on several occasions.

This time, it was jewellery that was stolen.

The newspaper Le Monde publishes the list and photos of the stolen pieces. The crown of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, was stolen and then abandoned during the burglars’ escape. Its condition is presently “under review.” Also missing are Empress Eugénie’s pearl tiara, her diamond corsage bow, a reliquary brooch, a complete sapphire set with a tiara that belonged to Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense, and a sumptuous emerald set belonging to Empress Marie-Louise, wife of Napoleon I.

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Once the initial shock had passed, information began to emerge about the circumstances of the theft, which took place shortly after the museum opened to the public, between 9:30 and 9:37 a.m.

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