Theft of Masterpieces in Italy
Recent reports indicate that four masked thieves executed a bold heist at a museum in northern Italy, making off with three invaluable paintings by Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse, collectively valued at over $10 million. This incident occurred at the Magnani Rocca Foundation villa, located near Parma, on the night of March 22, although details only emerged publicly on a Sunday. Notably, according to Rome’s Wanted Outlet, the museum remained open to visitors even after the crime took place.
The stolen works include Renoir’s Les Poisson (“Fish”), an oil painting from around 1917; Cézanne’s Tasse and plat des cerises (“Still Life with Cherries”), a watercolor from 1890; and Matisse’s 1922 aquatint Odalisque sur la terrasse (“Odalisque on the Terrace”). All three were taken from the museum’s “French Room” on the upper floor. This incident is viewed as one of the most significant art thefts in Italy in recent history, following a notable robbery at the Louvre in Paris last October.
The robbers allegedly entered through the museum’s front door and successfully grabbed the three paintings within a mere three minutes. Reports mention that their efforts were briefly interrupted by the museum’s alarm, preventing further theft.
A statement from the museum described the theft as a carefully coordinated operation, not an impulsive act. They noted that a clear division of roles among the thieves was evident but that their plans were thwarted due to the prompt action of the security system, internal security staff, and the Carabinieri. They expressed deep gratitude for the swift response.
The Magnani Rocca Foundation is recognized as one of Italy’s prominent art institutions. The villa in Mamiano di Traversetto houses a collection amassed by critic and writer Luigi Magnani, featuring works by renowned artists like Titian, Dürer, Rubens, Goya, and others, alongside an important collection of Morandi’s artworks.
The Palma Carabinieri is actively investigating the theft, collaborating with the Carabinieri Cultural Heritage Protection Unit, which focuses specifically on art-related crimes. Investigators are reportedly analyzing video surveillance footage to aid in their efforts.
