The 1990 theft of 13 artworks from Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum remains unsolved, generating countless theories about the perpetrators. A new book by the former FBI agent who led the investigation for over a decade systematically debunks many prominent public theories, arguing they distract from the actual investigation.
The case matters because it represents the largest art heist in U.S. history, with losses valued at over $500 million, including works by Vermeer and Rembrandt. The enduring mystery and the agent's insider critique highlight the tension between public speculation and official investigative work, while the empty frames still on display serve as a constant reminder of the cultural loss and the ongoing, albeit stalled, pursuit of justice.