The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession

Describe the tone of the author’s attitude toward his subject. How does Michael Finkel feel about Stéphane Breitwieser and his crimes? Use evidence to support your answer.

Finkel examines The Psychological Aspects of Criminal Behavior throughout The Art Thief. What factors shape Breitwieser and his motivations for his crimes? What theory in the book do you find most convincing, and why?

Analyze the depictions of Mireille Stengel and Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus in the text. How are the two women different or similar? How do they help shape Breitwieser’s trajectory as a person and as a criminal?

Consider the role of museums in the text. How do Breitwieser’s views compare with those of other key figures in the text? What, in your view, are some of the ways museums can balance accessibility with security in displaying art?

Describe Breitwieser as an art thief. What are his weaknesses? What are his strengths? How do his tactics compare to that of other famous art thieves?

At Breitwieser’s trial, the prosecutor states that “If people like Breitwieser are permitted in civil society […] civilization is doomed” (183). Why does the prosecutor make this connection? Do you agree with his assertion? Why or why not?

Breitwieser argues that “[t]he story of art […] is a story of stealing” (65). What does he mean by this? How does his declaration relate to the historical context of art theft?

A central theme of the text is The Appreciation and Power of Art. To what extent, if any, does Breitwieser’s sensitivity to art extenuate his crimes? Conversely, in what ways, if any, does a professed appreciation for art make his crimes more egregious?