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Ever wondered about the intriguing world of art theft? Brace yourself for an enthralling journey with author C. Joan Baker, our guest for this episode, who unveils the captivating story behind her book, Chasing Picasso. We trace the history of art heists, a clandestine industry worth between 4-6 billion dollars globally. From Nazi-looted art to America's "red flag" period, we leave no stone unturned. Joan shares her fascinating transition from a business executive to a mystery writer, inspired by the gripping tale of a daytime heist on Art Hill.

But that's not all! We further examine how art theft has surprisingly escalated to become the third largest criminal trade worldwide, profoundly impacting the art market. The post-World War II rise in art value, the notorious Picasso theft occurring merely days after his demise, and the involvement of organized crime in art dealings – we unpack it all. Plus, we delve into the challenges of dealing with stolen art, touching upon the intriguing examples of Bret Hart's iconic jacket and Georgia O'Keefe's stolen art.

We conclude this exhilarating episode with an investigation into the intersections between art theft, organized crime, and significant historical events, ranging from the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. to the Gardner Museum heist. We even explore my personal visit to the Museum of tolerance in Los Angeles! Wrapping up, we ponder the significance of living history, delve into the curious case of the missing Picasso, and get a glimpse of C. Joan Baker's future plans. Trust me, this episode is brimming with thrilling stories and enlightening discoveries!

Time Line

(0:00:00) - The Intriguing World of Art Theft
(0:08:47) - Art Theft's Impact on the Market
(0:24:45) - Lost and Stolen Art
(0:31:40) - Art Theft and Stolen Paintings
(0:37:44) - Museums and Art Theft

Get your copy of Chasing Picasso HERE

CLICK HERE for the Blog Post for the Episode

About C. Joan Baker

C. Joan Baker is former business exec turned mystery writer. Her passion is researching and writing about weird mysteries and forgotten histories.

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