Peruggia

Peruggia is an Italian surname. It is most widely recognized from Vincenzo Peruggia, who became famous for stealing the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911.

Vincenzo Peruggia was an Italian painter and carpenter who had worked at the Louvre. On August 21, 1911, he removed the Mona Lisa by concealing it beneath his clothing after spending time inside the museum with other workers. He later claimed his motive was patriotic, arguing that the painting should be returned to Italy.

The theft remained a mystery for two years, until the painting was recovered in 1913 in Florence, after Peruggia attempted to sell it to an Italian art dealer. He was arrested, tried, and imprisoned for the theft. The case drew wide international attention and helped spur changes in museum security and the public discussion of art crime.

The surname Peruggia remains relatively uncommon. It is of Italian origin and is most often found in Italy and among Italian communities abroad. Notable bearers include Vincenzo Peruggia, whose 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa is one of the most famous art crimes in history. See also Mona Lisa theft for related historical details.