Police Recover Stolen Matisse Works in Brazil

Brazilian police have recovered eight works by renowned French artist Henri Matisse that were stolen from the Mario de Andrade Library, São Paulo’s largest public library, late last year. The prints, valued at more than $193,000, were found in an apartment in downtown São Bernardo do Campo.

Police arrested a man at the apartment who investigators said was holding the works on behalf of the alleged mastermind of the robbery.

The theft took place in December 2025, when two people restrained a security guard and an elderly couple before stealing 13 paintings and other documents. The suspected organizer of the heist was arrested in April as part of a separate investigation into art theft.

Five stolen works by renowned Brazilian artist Candido Portinari remain missing and are believed to have been sold.

Italian authorities also announced the recovery of three stolen paintings in a separate operation this week, including another work by Matisse.

(Reuters, Max)