Italian authorities recover stolen masterpieces
MILAN — Italian authorities recovered three artworks by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse worth millions of euros that were stolen earlier this year from a private museum near the northern city of Parma, reports BritPanorama.
A statement from the Italian Carabinieri’s art recovery squad indicated the artworks were discovered during searches ordered by prosecutors, but no specific details were disclosed. The investigation remains ongoing.
The recovered pieces include “Fish,” a painting by Auguste Renoir, “Still Life with Cherries,” a pencil and watercolor by Paul Cézanne, and “Odalisque on the Terrace,” a color aquatint by Henri Matisse. Authorities assessed the value of the Cézanne at 6 million euros ($7 million), the Renoir at 3 million euros ($3.5 million), and the Matisse at 20,000 euros ($23,000).
The heist at the Magnani Rocca Foundation, located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Parma, occurred during the night of March 22-23, with thieves forcing open the entrance door, according to police reports.
Local media have stated that the thieves executed the operation in less than three minutes, swiftly escaping across the museum gardens.
Established in 1977, the Magnani Rocca Foundation houses the collection of art historian Luigi Magnani and features works by renowned artists such as Dürer, Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya, and Monet.
Authorities believe a structured and organized gang was responsible for the theft, which was reportedly interrupted by the alarm, as per local media accounts.
This incident follows a series of high-profile thefts at major European museums, including the October robbery of French crown jewels and other items valued at 88 million euros ($101 million) from the Louvre in Paris.
The tightening grip of art crime across Europe raises questions about the security measures in place at cultural institutions and the resources allocated for the protection of priceless artworks.
