Wikipedia Profile of the man who stole the Mona Lisa on 21 August 1911
 A police photograph of Vincenzo Peruggia in 1911. | |
| Born | October 8, 1881 Dumenza, Varese, Italy |
|---|---|
| Died | October 8, 1925 (aged 44) Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Known for | theft of the Mona Lisa |
Experts have also questioned the "patriotism" motive on the grounds that—were patriotism the true motive—Peruggia would have donated the painting to an Italian museum, rather than attempt to profit from its sale. However it is believed that the "friend" was the one who attempted to profit from the sale since Peruggia never divulged its secret for nearly two years. Put on trial, the court agreed to some extent that Peruggia committed his crime for patriotic reasons and gave him a lenient sentence. He was sent to jail for one year and fifteen days, but was hailed as a great patriot in Italy and served only a few months in jail.
The full Wikipedia profile of Vincenzo Peruggia is here