Imagine a world where priceless art vanishes in broad daylight. That’s exactly what happened recently in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where thieves pulled off a daring heist, making off with valuable works by legendary artists Henri Matisse and Candido Portinari.
The target was the Mário de Andrade library, specifically an exhibition featuring works from the famous French Fauvist, Matisse, and revered Brazilian artist, Portinari. On the exhibition’s final day, two suspects brazenly stole eight prints by Matisse and five by Portinari. Security camera footage, now widely circulated, showed the thieves casually handling the art, with one even balancing pieces on his head as he made his getaway.
Brazilian authorities swiftly moved, apprehending one suspect on Monday, but the second remains at large, and crucially, the stolen masterpieces have yet to be recovered. Among the Matisse pieces were parts of his iconic “Jazz” series, including the cover and the ‘circus’ cut-out – prints that can fetch up to $15,000 each. Portinari’s engravings, while less frequent on the international market, are still valued at around $2,000.
This audacious theft comes shortly after a similar high-profile robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, highlighting a concerning trend for the art world. Brazil has already alerted Interpol, hoping to prevent the prints from being smuggled out of the country and ensuring their safe return. While the exhibition was insured and protected by steel cables and cameras, the incident serves as a stark reminder that even cherished art can become a target. Experts remain optimistic, believing that these distinct pieces might eventually resurface, offering a glimmer of hope for their recovery. The library, despite the drama, remains open, a testament to resilience.
