Four paintings by renowned French Impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir were stolen from the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer on the French Riviera in an early-morning break-in, French authorities said. Two of the artworks were later abandoned as the suspects fled, leaving two paintings still missing.
The theft occurred shortly before 6 a.m. Tuesday at the museum, which is housed in Les Collettes, Renoir’s former residence near Nice. The alarm was triggered at 5:48 a.m., and police arrived within minutes, but the suspects had already escaped.
Surveillance footage showed two individuals entering the museum and removing four paintings. During their escape, two of the stolen works were abandoned in the museum’s garden and recovered by authorities. The remaining two paintings are still being sought.
Local officials have estimated the value of the stolen works at about €9 million ($10.4 million), although police have not independently confirmed the valuation. French authorities have launched an investigation and are searching for the suspects.
The Renoir Museum, opened in 1960, preserves the former home and working environment of the celebrated artist, who lived there during the final years of his life before his death in 1919. Its collection includes Renoir paintings, sculptures, furniture, photographs and personal belongings.
The robbery has renewed concerns about security at cultural institutions across Europe. It follows several high-profile museum thefts, including the major Louvre jewelry heist in Paris last year, in which jewels valued at about €88 million were stolen.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns among European authorities about increasingly bold attacks on museums and other cultural institutions. Investigators are now working to identify the perpetrators and recover the remaining Renoir paintings.
The museum has been closed as authorities continue their investigation, while officials assess the damage and review security measures at the historic site.
Swifteradio.com
