A spectacular robbery took place on the morning of Sunday, October 19, shortly after the Louvre museum opened, when a gang of four criminals seized eight 19th-century jewels described as having "priceless heritage value" by the French Ministry of Culture, before fleeing the scene. Here are photographs of the stolen pieces.
The crown of Empress Eugénie, by Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier. STEPHANE MARÉCHALLE / LOUVRE MUSEUM/ RMN-GRAND PALAIS
The crown of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, was stolen by the gang but later abandoned as they fled. Its condition is "currently being examined," according to the Ministry of Culture.
Tiara of Empress Eugénie. LOUVRE MUSEUM VIA BESTIMAGE
Large corsage bow of Empress Eugénie (brooch). GRANDPALAISRMN (LOUVRE MUSEUM) / STÉPHANE MARÉCHALLE
