The Weeping Woman

On August 2, 1986, Pablo Picasso's "The Weeping Woman" was stolen from the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia. This painting, part of a series by Picasso, had been purchased for A$1.6 million in 1985, marking the most expensive acquisition by an Australian gallery at the time.

The culprits, identifying themselves as the "Australian Cultural Terrorists" demanded increased funding for the arts and threatened to destroy the painting if their demands were not met. Their audacious act evoked memories of the infamous 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre.

Fortunately, on August 19, 1986, the painting was found undamaged in a locker at Spencer Street Station after police received an anonymous tip-off. Despite its recovery, the case remains unsolved, with no arrests made. The thieves had hoped their demands for more arts funding and the establishment of a new art prize would be fulfilled, but the government declined and instead offered a reward for information leading to the suspects' apprehension.

The theft sparked a wide range of reactions, including political cartoons, writings, and artworks. Over the years, the incident has been featured in novels, films, and documentaries, and is often referred to as Australia's greatest unsolved art heist.

Today, "The Weeping Woman" now valued at $100 million, remains a significant piece in the National Gallery of Victoria's collection.