[REVISION HISTORY]

Theft of Salvador Dalí artwork in Issoire

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-07 07:35 UTC → 2026-10-09 16:55 UTC · added ~~removed~~

A monumental artwork known as the ‘Book of Revelation’ (or ‘Book of Apocalypse’) was stolen from the Issoire Contemporary Art Center in Auvergne, France, during the night of October 4 or 5, 2026. The stolen piece is a collaborative project created between 1958 and 1961, featuring contributions from fourteen artists and writers, including Jean Cocteau and Bernard Buffet. The work consists of 150 parchment sheets and a massive bronze cover designed by Salvador Dalí, which is decorated with gold, precious stones, and seashells. The total weight of the artwork is approximately 210 kilograms. The Clermont-Ferrand Public Prosecutor's Office has described the work as an ‘exceptional and unique piece’ valued in the millions. The current owner, Christian Karoutzos, had purchased the work in 2003 to prevent it from being auctioned off in parts. ~~Authorities have launched an~~ New details from the investigation ~~into~~ suggest the ~~theft, specifically looking into how~~ thieves were highly prepared. They bypassed security measures by cutting camera cables and stealing the hard drive containing recorded footage. While the thieves ignored other valuable items, such a as ten precious parchments in an adjacent room, they successfully removed the iconic cover. The owner stated that the piece is “unsellable” due to its unique and highly recognizable nature, suggesting the thieves may attempt to melt down the precious metals or separate the stones. Authorities continue to investigate how the heavy object was removed from the premises.

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