Stolen paintings by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse found in Italy

Five people of Moldovan origin have been arrested in Italy on suspicion of stealing three paintings by renowned artists Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne and Henri Matisse from the private museum of the Magnani-Rocca Foundation near Parma.

According to Report, which cites ANSA, a specialized Carabinieri unit investigating art-related crimes said all three stolen works were recovered and returned to the museum. Their total value is estimated at €9 million.

"Carabinieri have recovered three valuable works by Paul Cézanne, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Henri Matisse, which were stolen from the Magnani-Rocca Foundation museum on March 23," the Parma Carabinieri said in a statement on X.

The paintings were stolen in March. The perpetrators broke into the Magnani villa, which houses the private collection of Luigi Magnani (1906–1984).

The stolen works are Renoir's late painting Fish, Cézanne's drawing Still Life with Cherries, and Matisse's watercolor Lady on the Terrace.

The foundation, named after art historian and collector Luigi Magnani, houses his collection, which includes works by Titian, Dürer, Rubens, Goya, Canova, Monet and other renowned artists.

The collection is considered one of the most significant private art collections in Italy.