The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo Da Vinci in the early 16th century, was a celebrated artwork but gained global recognition only after its theft from the Louvre Museum in Paris on August 21, 1911. Initially, museum staff suspected it was simply removed for cleaning or photography. However, the painting was indeed stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia, an Italian museum employee who believed the artwork rightfully belonged in Italy. He managed to enter the museum disguised as a worker, stole the painting, and hid it in his Paris home for two years. The theft captured national attention, with media outlets extensively covering the incident and drawing crowds to the Louvre to see the empty space where the painting once hung. After attempting to sell the Mona Lisa to an art dealer in Florence in 1913, Peruggia was caught, and the painting was returned to France. The publicity surrounding the theft significantly boosted the painting's fame, establishing it as a global icon. Today, the Mona Lisa is protected by security measures, including guards and glass cover, ensuring its preservation for future generations.