Joseph Foret's 'Apocalypse' book stolen from private museum in Issoire, France
Quick Look
- Joseph Foret's 'Apocalypse', a 210 kg book with a bronze cover designed by Salvador Dali, was stolen overnight from a private museum in Issoire, central France.
- The book, valued at several million euros, was created between 1958 and 1961 with contributions from notable artists and writers.
- The Clermont-Ferrand gendarmerie is investigating the theft.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Joseph Foret's 'Apocalypse' was created between 1958 and 1961 with the blessing of Pope John XXIII, based on the Book of Revelation. It features contributions from renowned artists and writers including Salvador Dali, Jean Cocteau, Bernard Buffet, and Ossip Zadkine. The book weighs 210 kg, with its bronze cover by Dali accounting for 150 kg.
PARIS, October 5. /TASS/. One of the world’s most expensive and heaviest books, Joseph Foret's "Apocalypse" featuring a hefty bronze-plated cover designed by Salvador Dali, has been stolen from a private museum in the commune of Issoire in central France, the Ici radio reported.
"This is a grandiose, masterful work with no equivalent anywhere in the world. Tonight, France suffered a death, the death of cultural heritage," the book’s owner, Christian Karoutzos, told the radio station.
The book was displayed at the town’s contemporary art center, which was also founded by Karoutzos. It was stolen from there overnight on October 4-5. The circumstances of the theft have not been disclosed. The Clermont-Ferrand gendarmerie was tasked with investigating the incident.
The work was created between 1958 and 1961 by gallery owner Joseph Foret, with the blessing of Pope John XXIII, based on the Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament, also known as "Apocalypse." Around 15 of the best-known artists and writers of the time, including Salvador Dali, Jean Cocteau, Bernard Buffet and Ossip Zadkine, contributed to the work. The book weighs 210 kg in total, with the Dali-created bronze cover weighing 150 kg.
When the book was published, it was valued at 100 million old francs. In 2003, Karoutzos bought it at an auction in Japan for "several million euros," regional newspaper Ouest-France reported.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Clermont-Ferrand gendarmerie will continue investigating the theft and may release updates on progress.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Who stole the book and what was their motive?
- How did the thieves bypass security at the museum?
- Where is the book currently located?
- Will the book be recovered, and if so, when?
