Thieves stole three valuable paintings by Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse, collectively worth millions of euros, from a museum located near Parma in northern Italy, according to authorities on Monday. The theft occurred during the night of March 22-23, as the culprits forcibly entered through the museum’s entrance.
The stolen artworks include “Fish” by Renoir, “Still Life with Cherries” by Cézanne, and “Odalisque on the Terrace” by Matisse. The Magnani Rocca Foundation, a private museum situated in the countryside around 20 kilometers from Parma, was targeted in the heist.
Reports suggest that the thieves swiftly seized the paintings in less than three minutes and fled through the museum gardens. The foundation, established in 1977 by art historian Luigi Magnani, houses a collection that features renowned artists such as Dürer, Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya, and Monet.
Local media sources indicated that an organized criminal group likely carried out the theft, which triggered an alarm during the incident. The museum, which remained closed on Monday and did not release any official statements regarding the theft, was unavailable for comment.
This incident in Parma follows a series of high-profile museum thefts across Europe, including a notable case in October where thieves stole jewels and other valuables worth 88 million euros from the Louvre in Paris.
Italian art expert Claudio Strinati noted that the stolen paintings are considered minor works by the three artists. He mentioned that while Renoir’s painting is aesthetically pleasing, it is not among the most significant pieces in the foundation’s collection. Strinati also raised concerns that the heist might lead to a ransom demand, highlighting the potential for art thefts to be driven by extortion motives.