Eight illustrations created by French artist Henri Matisse have been recovered by Brazilian authorities following their theft from a São Paulo library. The works, collectively estimated to be worth around $200,000, were discovered on Thursday at a residence in São Bernardo do Campo, a southern suburb. A 44-year-old man was apprehended at the location.
The original theft occurred on 7 December last year at Biblioteca Mário de Andrade. During the incident, two individuals overpowered a security guard and an elderly couple visiting the facility before departing on foot through the main entrance with the artworks. Three additional suspects had been arrested previously in connection with the case.
The recently arrested individual, João Paulo Linhares de Araujo, is believed to have stored the Matisse works on behalf of those allegedly involved in the crime. Police suspect Laéssio Rodrigues de Oliveira, a 53-year-old described as a prolific art thief, orchestrated the robbery. He has remained in custody since April in relation to a separate matter. A man and a woman have also been apprehended regarding the library heist.
The stolen Matisse pieces are illustrations from the limited-edition book Jazz. Five engravings by Brazilian artist Candido Portinari that were taken during the same robbery remain unrecovered. Both sets of works were part of an exhibition called From Book to Museum, held jointly with the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art, and the theft occurred on the exhibition’s final day.
Authorities report the illustrations have been returned to the library, which has implemented enhanced security measures. Art experts have characterized the value of the Matisse works as incalculable, given his status as one of the 20th Century’s most influential artists. Portinari is regarded as a significant figure in Brazilian Modernist art.
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