Two paintings by the renowned impressionist artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, stolen from a museum in southern France, have been found with minor damage. This was reported by prosecutors on Monday.
Details of the Theft
In September, thieves broke into the museum located in Cagnes-sur-Mer. They made off with two of Renoir’s paintings while abandoning two others. Collectively, the four paintings are valued at an estimated $10 million. Last Friday, authorities revealed that the stolen paintings had been uncovered. The recovered works are “Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano” and “Young Woman at the Well.”
Recovery Efforts
During a press statement in Paris, Marseille prosecutor Nicolas Bessone disclosed that the paintings were recovered the previous Thursday during a house search in Clermont-l’Herault. The breakthrough followed the arrest of six people, including a woman, the day before.
“The paintings were hidden behind a solid cinder block wall. They were completely undetectable,” said Bessone.
Bessone noted that intensive interrogation helped investigators compel the receiver of the stolen goods to confess possession of the paintings.
Condition and Restoration
The paintings are currently displayed at the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Conservation and Restoration of Heritage in Marseille. Though generally in good condition, they sustained some damage. Bessone mentioned that the frame of “Young Woman at the Well” has slight damage, and there is a tear on “Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano”, particularly on the dress depicted in the painting. Restoration work will be necessary for both artworks.
Recent Museum Heists
Culture Minister Catherine Pegard praised the quick and effective recovery of the art pieces. The culture ministry highlighted the commitment of those involved in the recovery.
Recent museum heists in France, including a theft at the Louvre, indicate potential vulnerabilities in security. Last year, thieves stole crown jewels valued at around $100 million from the Louvre. A crown was dropped during the escape, but no other jewels have been recovered. Other museums across France have also been targets. In July, jewelry valued at millions was stolen from the museum of French luxury glassmaker Lalique. Additionally, gold was taken from the Natural History Museum in Paris in October 2025, and three porcelain works were stolen from the Adrien Dubouche National Museum in Limoges.