Background
The Biblioteca Mário de Andrade in São Paulo was robbed on 7 December 2025, when thieves overpowered a security guard and an elderly couple, taking eight Henri Matisse illustrations and five Cândido Portinari engravings from a joint exhibition titled "From Book to Museum".
Recovery
Police recovered the stolen Matisse works on Thursday at a house in São Bernardo do Campo, a suburb south of São Paulo. The 44‑year‑old suspect, João Paulo Linhares de Araujo, was arrested at the scene. He is believed to have stored the artworks on behalf of the thieves, according to Globo.
Ongoing Investigation
Three other suspects have already been arrested in connection with the heist, including notorious art thief Laéssio Rodrigues de Oliveira, who has been in custody since April. Another suspect—a man and a woman—were arrested after the theft. The five Portinari engravings remain missing.
Significance
The Matisse illustrations were created for the limited‑edition art book "Jazz" and were part of a special exhibit; the Portinari engravings illustrated a special edition of the novel "Menino de Engheno" by José Lins do Rego. Art critics say the value of the stolen Matisse works is "incalculable", while Portinari is celebrated as a pillar of Brazilian modernist art.
Safety Improvements
The local department of culture has upgraded security measures at the library following the incident, and the Matisse illustrations have been safely returned to storage.
