Reviews

Stealing the Mystic Lamb: The True Story of the World's Most Coveted Masterpiece by Noah Charney

justabean_reads's review

3.0

Non fiction about the Ghent alter piece by Jan Van Eyck, which has been stolen repeatedly over the centuries for a variety of reasons. The first few chapters discuss the painting and painter in detail, then it jumps into it's long and storied history of being lifted. The book is also something of a history of art theft, but usually stays close to the story of the Ghent and the painting. I found it engagingly written and often very funny, though it did drag a bit in the section detailing the 1934 theft, and spent a little too much time on WWII. Would rec if you're looking for a fun popular history book.

confusible's review

5.0

Charney thoroughly engages the reader in this non-fiction account of the Mystic Lambs' complicated history with his novel-like prose. I really enjoyed his visual analysis of the artwork and his exploration of the Jan/Hubert van Eyck controversy. I found the actions taken to protect the Lamb during the First World War enthralling and his account of the search for it during the Second World War was moving, even if the details of conflicting accounts got a little tiresome. Kirstein and Posey are real heroes. I hope we one day learn the truth of the 1934 theft but it may be lost to history. I particularly appreciate Charney's emphasis on art as a symbol nation and culture, even more so than a flag, and that stripping a country of it's artwork can have such an impact on it's citizens. I've read Charney's The Art Thief and am pleased that his non-fiction writing is just as interesting as his fiction.