The recent theft of eight Napoleonic-era crown jewels from the Louvre Museum might seem like a case of payback against the world that built it. However, this act of revenge won’t change the fact that these stolen items will still enrich the same elite circles that profit from historical injustice.
Historic jewels were stolen in Paris on Sunday, taking with them pieces of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense’s jewelry set, an emerald necklace used by Empress Marie-Louise, a large brooch belonging to Empress Eugenie, and other priceless items. International media outlets reacted with drama, portraying the theft as a “national disaster” for France.
However, this response seems similar to the dramatic reaction to the 2019 Notre Dame cathedral fire in Paris, which received more sympathy from world leaders than the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The contrast is striking, highlighting the double standards in how historical events are treated.
The Louvre and other elite art institutions are symbols of historical injustice, built on wealth acquired by royals through exploitation of working-class people and colonialism. Many treasures on display were obtained through forced labor, looting, and plundering from former colonies.
Experts argue that these items should be returned to their countries of origin. For instance, a 19th-century sculpture made by an enslaved artist is currently displayed in the Louvre, despite repeated requests from Benin.
The theft might be seen as a symbol of resistance against the exploitation of cultural heritage, but it ultimately falls short as a means to address historical injustices. The article argues that the media’s over-the-top reaction to the heist and the subsequent romanticization of the thieves are themselves a form of disaster.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2025/10/23/why-the-louvre-heist-feels-like-justice-but