Thief Steals Battle Ax From Louvre Sculpture

A thief tore a battle ax from a 17th century sculpture and slipped out of the Louvre during visiting hours in the museum’s second major theft this month.

The ax, about 3 feet long and weighing 37 pounds, was taken Wednesday evening from the foot of a 1685 bronze by Martin Desjardins. The theft occurred despite the fact four security agents were on duty.

On Jan. 11, a thief sliced a $37,000 painting from its frame and walked out with it. “Deer in the Landscape” was a 28 x 37-inch oil canvas by 19th century Romance artist Lancelot Theodore Turpin de Crise.