Sculptural composition Via Vitae. Photo: Russian media.
On Thursday, in the municipality of Pare-les-Montagnac, armed robbers carried out a brazen robbery of the Hieron Museum, stealing jewellery from the work of the famous Parisian jeweller Joseph Chaumet. The value of the stolen Via Vitae sculpture, which is recognised as a national treasure of France, is estimated at €7 million, Time Ukraine Israel reports, citing Newsyou.
How the attack took place
The robbery took place at around 16:00 local time. According to the mayor of Pareuil-les-Montagnac, Jean-Marc Nesme, three criminals entered the museum, while the fourth remained on guard outside the building. The robbers were armed and fired several shots, creating an atmosphere of fear among the museum’s staff and visitors.
The thieves broke the armoured glass with a special tool and, after the destructive intervention, stole gold and ivory figurines and emerald jewellery. At the time, there were about twenty visitors on the ground floor of the museum who witnessed this violent incident, which deeply traumatised them.
Via Vitae sculpture: a masterpiece by Joseph Chomet
The Via Vitae sculpture was created in 1904 by Joseph Chaumet, a prominent Parisian jeweller. The work is a monumental three-metre composition that symbolises the life of Christ. The sculpture contains 138 figures inlaid with diamonds and rubies, skilfully combined with marble and alabaster. Over the course of more than a century, Via Vitae has become a cultural symbol of France, and the country’s Ministry of Culture has officially classified it as a national treasure.
This work of art not only attracts tourists from all over the world, but is also a valuable part of France’s national history and cultural heritage. As the piece is made up of precious metals and unique elements, it has become an attractive target for criminals.
The robbers’ escape
After the robbery, the criminals fled on motorbikes. During their escape, they used spikes scattered on the road to stop the police cars that were chasing them. An investigation is currently underway and law enforcement is working to identify the attackers.
This brazen crime shocked French society and raised the issue of protecting national cultural property.
