Raiders of the Lost Art explores some of history's greatest art mysteries, following the stories of masterpieces that were stolen, hidden, forgotten or simply disappeared. Season 1 travels from Nazi-looted artwork and missing Fabergé eggs to the remarkable stories surrounding Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci and Vermeer.
Episode 1 – Hitler's Art Dealer
A massive collection of artwork discovered in Munich in 2013 leads to Cornelius Gurlitt and the controversial legacy of his father, Hildebrand Gurlitt, an art dealer who acquired works during the Nazi era.
Episode 2 – The Hunt for Fabergé Eggs
The exquisite Imperial Fabergé eggs created for Russia's royal family are among the world's most famous treasures. Following the Russian Revolution, several disappeared, creating a mystery that has continued for generations.
Episode 3 – Van Gogh's Guardian
Vincent van Gogh died without knowing the extraordinary fame his paintings would eventually achieve. This episode explores the important role his sister-in-law, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, played in preserving and promoting his artistic legacy.
During World War II, the Nazis looted an enormous number of artworks and cultural treasures across Europe. The episode follows the Allied effort to locate, rescue and return the stolen masterpieces — while examining works that remain missing.
Episode 5 – Leonardo and the Mona Lisa
The 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre became one of the most sensational art crimes in history — and even Pablo Picasso came under suspicion. The episode also examines the mysteries surrounding other works by Leonardo da Vinci.
Episode 6 – Vanishing Vermeers
Johannes Vermeer was largely forgotten for nearly two centuries before his work was rediscovered and celebrated. Unfortunately, renewed interest in the Dutch master also helped inspire one of art history's most notorious forgery scandals.
Season 1 combines art, history, crime and mystery to show that the story of a masterpiece doesn't necessarily end when the artist puts down the brush. Sometimes, that's when the adventure really begins.
You can watch individual episodes through their links above or as double episodes below.
Episodes 1 and 2
Episodes 3 and 4
Episodes 5 and 6
