Two paintings by Auguste Renoir, stolen last month from the Musée Renoir in Cagnes‑sur‑Mer, were recovered by authorities this week.
The theft took place on 8 September when criminals broke through the museum’s fence, smashed a window and seized four artworks. They later abandoned two of the pieces, Jeune fille au puits (1886) and Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano (1910), in the museum’s garden as they fled.
Local mayor Bryan Masson praised the recovery, saying the loss and return of the works brought immense joy and profound relief to the community.
Six suspects linked to the robbery have been arrested, according to the town hall’s statement.
Art theft across Europe has surged in recent years, with high‑profile heists such as the 2025 Parma robbery of works by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse, and the 2024 Louvre jewellery theft drawing international attention.
The two Renoir paintings are celebrated for their delicate use of colour and intimacy; they have long been symbols of Cagnes‑sur‑Mer’s cultural heritage and the artist’s final years spent in the town.
The Musée Renoir, opened in 1960, holds twelve of the painter’s works and personal items, including his easel, wheelchair and handwritten letters.
Officials will release further details about the recovery and the subsequent investigations later this week.
