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

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes references to abortion and abusive relationships.

Finkel explores Breitwieser’s artistic taste in this chapter and examines what draws humans to art. The author points out that the existence of art contradicts Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection, which argues that survival depends on “eliminating inefficiency and waste” (103). Finkel suggests that art is a sign humanity has moved beyond mere survival. In 2011, neuroscientist Semir Zeki pinpointed the part of the brain responsible for aesthetic responses to art—the medial orbital-frontal cortex. Studies show humans have preferences of subject and color in art. Images of the natural world, harmonious shapes, and the color blue are universally popular. Individual taste is also influenced by aspects such as cultural background and personal identity.

Breitweiser is attracted to oil paintings in the “luminous colors” largely used by Northern European artists during the Renaissance. He favors more minor artists, believing great Renaissance painters like Leonardo da Vinci do not convey the same strength of feeling in their works. Breitwieser’s taste makes it easier for him to steal. Works by less-famous artists are less well-protected, while cabinet paintings are small enough to conceal in a jacket or bag. The other items Breitwieser steals, such as tobacco boxes, are examples of pre-Industrial Revolution craftsmanship.