From a Scottish Castle to a Merseyside boozer, via the FBI’s most-wanted list, this is the incredible story of a missing masterpiece.

In 2003, the Madonna of the Armwinder by Leonardo da Vinci was stolen from a castle in rural Scotland.

That was when they put sand over my mouth and was like, get down on the floor and then I just burst into tears.

If it wasn't for 1 man and his team, they might have been lost forever.

You know I always think of the look of me is different.

This is a story about high stakes art theft.

It's crazy you know this doesn't even happen in movies.

We believe as a legal team we can negotiate the successful and speedy return of this precious artwork.

He's convinced me that I am completely 100% safe.

It's a tale involving the Scottish establishment.

They were dead set on getting a conviction.

Proof of life video, it's thrilling, you know.

I will do what you instruct to the letter.

There's double crossing and unforeseen consequences.

I was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.

I'm Olivia Graham, and from BBC Scotland, this is the Missing Madonna.


Speaker 0: It was a crime that shook the art world. Priceless and stolen in broad daylight. In 2003, the Madonna of the Armwinder by Leonardo da Vinci was stolen from a castle in rural Scotland. That was when they put sand over my mouth and was like, get down on the floor and then I just burst into tears. We are offering a substantial reward.

If it wasn't for 1 man and his team, they might have been lost forever. You know I always think of the look of me is different. This is a story about high stakes art theft. It's crazy you know this doesn't even happen in movies. We believe as a legal team we can negotiate the successful and speedy return of this precious artwork.

He's convinced me that I am completely 100% safe. It's a tale involving the Scottish establishment. They were dead set on getting a conviction. The criminal underworld. Proof of life video, it's thrilling, you know.

And some likely lads from Liverpool. I will do what you instruct to the letter. There's double crossing and unforeseen consequences. I am a human being, I forgot about it. Dukes, criminals, chancers.

What can you tell me about him? Nothing. I was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. And me. I'm Olivia Graham, and from BBC Scotland, this is the Missing Madonna.

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Introducing The Missing Madonna