Three Valuable Paintings by Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse Stolen from Italian Museum

Thieves have stolen three valuable paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, and Henri Matisse from the Fondazione Magnani-Rocca museum near Parma, Italy. The artworks, with an estimated total value of approximately nine million euros, were taken during a nighttime break-in that occurred about a week before reports emerged. According to media accounts citing police sources, the perpetrators forced open an entrance gate to access the museum interior, successfully removing the paintings in under three minutes before escaping through the museum gardens. Italian authorities, specifically the Carabinieri, are conducting an investigation. A statement from the foundation, quoted by Italian television network SkyTG24, indicated that the theft appeared to be a planned and organized operation rather than a spontaneous act. The stolen works are identified as Renoir's 'Les Poissons,' Cézanne's 'Tasse et Plat de Cerises,' and Matisse's 'Odalisque sur la Terasse.' In separate art market developments, a recently rediscovered still life by 17th-century French painter Lubin Baugin, 'Nature morte aux financiers,' sold for 440,000 euros at Vichy Enchères on August 16, 2025, setting a new auction record for the artist. Additionally, the Friends of the Pinakothek der Moderne are celebrating their 60th anniversary with a benefit auction on November 15, featuring a 2005 work by Neo-Geo artist Peter Halley titled 'Dada Ji,' expected to fetch at least 140,000 euros. Meanwhile, at a September 13 auction by Cologne-based house Breker, a rare 1941 Hasselblad HK 7 aerial camera sold for 32,000 euros, significantly above its starting price of 900 euros.