Lesson series

Art Crime: How Masterpieces are Stolen and Recovered

This course offers a unique opportunity to learn from the very best in the field. Renowned art detectives and specialists will provide an insider's look at how priceless artworks are stolen and, more importantly, how they are retrieved.

Here's what you can expect:
  • Firsthand accounts: A legendary FBI art detective will share gripping stories from his career, giving you a real-world perspective on the challenges and triumphs of art crime investigations.
  • Notorious heists & daring recoveries: Explore infamous art thefts that captured headlines, and delve into the intricate operations that brought these stolen treasures back home.
  • In-depth case studies: Go beyond the headlines with detailed analyses of specific recoveries. You'll examine the strategies employed to locate Rembrandts, Renoirs, and even an awe-inspiring piece of ancient Peruvian history.
  • Understanding the why and how: The course will explore the motivations behind art theft and the methods used by criminals. You'll gain insights into how law enforcement disrupts these operations and recovers lost works.

By the end of this course, you'll have a deeper understanding of:
  • Art Crime and the FBI: How Masterpieces are Stolen and Recovered
  • Frauds, Forgeries, and Fakes
  • Documents, Books and Recovering a Lost Nazi Diary
  • Looting and Destruction of the World’s Ancient Treasures

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Why this course?

  • 5 Lectures
  • Live Streamed Classes
  • Class Recordings
  • Discussion Boards

Industry Leading Experts

Gain unparalleled insights into the art world with Christie's Education. Learn directly from industry leaders, fostering expertise and understanding of art business. 
Meet the instructor

Robert K. Wittman

Robert K. Wittman joined the FBI as a Special Agent in 1988. As a result of specialized training in art, antiques, jewelry and gem identification, he served as the FBI’s investigative expert involving cultural property crime. During his 20 year FBI career, he recovered more than $300 million worth of stolen art and cultural property which resulted in numerous prosecutions and convictions. As a result of his unique experience Mr. Wittman coauthored the FBI Cultural Property Investigative Manual in 2001. In 2005, he created the FBI’s rapid deployment national Art Crime Team (ACT). Mr. Wittman has represented the United States throughout the world conducting investigations and instructing international police and museums in recovery and use of high asset value security techniques. In 2010, Mr. Wittman penned his New York Times bestselling memoir PRICELESS: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures. His second book, THE DEVIL’S DIARY: Alfred Rosenberg and the Stolen Secrets of the Third Reich is a worldwide bestseller published in 26 languages in 30 countries. Mr. Wittman is now president of Robert Wittman Inc., a consulting firm specializing in art and high value asset matters, which include investigation, recovery, expert witness testimony, and collection management.
Patrick Jones - Course author