Book weighing over 200kg illustrated by Dalí and Cocteau stolen in Auvergne

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Published: 2026-10-06T14:55:53.115Z • Permanent link

The heist of the century has shaken the art world, leaving behind a trail of intrigue and questions. The "Book of the Apocalypse", a monumental volume weighing over 200 kilograms, was stolen from the Issoire Art Centre in Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne, France, on the night of October 4 to 5. The book, featuring works by Salvador Dalí, Jean Cocteau, and Bernard Buffet, was a prized possession of the art centre, and its loss is a devastating blow to the cultural heritage of France.

The masterminds behind the theft remain unknown, but it is believed that the perpetrators were highly organized and well-connected. The art centre's security team had been under pressure to maintain a tight watch on the book, but somehow, the thieves managed to breach the facility without leaving any signs of forced entry or surveillance footage. The investigation is ongoing, but experts speculate that the stolen book may have been sold on the black market or auctioned off to the highest bidder.

The French authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the theft, with the help of Interpol and local law enforcement agencies. The National Centre for the Protection of Cultural Heritage has also been involved in the investigation, working closely with the Issoire Art Centre to recover the stolen book. As the search for the book continues, the art world remains on high alert, with many experts warning of a potential surge in art thefts and forgery cases.

The theft of the "Book of the Apocalypse" has significant implications for the art world, with potential consequences for museums, collectors, and research communities. The book was not only a valuable cultural artifact but also a rare and unique work of art, featuring contributions from some of the most renowned artists of the 20th century. The loss of the book may also have a ripple effect on the art market, with prices for similar works potentially skyrocketing due to the increased demand for rare and valuable art pieces.

The research community, which relies heavily on primary sources and rare books, will also be severely impacted by the theft. The "Book of the Apocalypse" was a unique resource, offering insights into the artistic styles and creative processes of Dalí, Cocteau, and Buffet. The loss of this resource may hinder the progress of art historians and researchers, who rely on primary sources to inform their studies. As a result, the art world may experience a shortage of critical information, which could have far-reaching consequences for the field.

The theft of the "Book of the Apocalypse" is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a larger pattern of art theft and vandalism. In recent years, several high-profile art heists have taken place, with thieves targeting museums, galleries, and private collections. The most notable example is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist in Boston, where 13 works of art were stolen, including paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer.