Bold Day Robbery: Thieves Snatch 8 Matisse & 5 Portinari Masterpieces from São Paulo Library Exhibition

Daylight Art Heist Shakes Brazil: Matisse and Portinari Works Stolen in São Paulo

A brazen daylight robbery rocked the Brazilian art world recently when two armed perpetrators targeted the Biblioteca Mário de Andrade in São Paulo. During normal opening hours on Sunday morning, the thieves successfully made off with a collection of critically important artworks, including eight engravings by the renowned French master, Henri Matisse, and at least five works by Brazil’s own modernist icon, Cândido Portinari.

Audacity and Execution of the Crime

The audacious heist unfolded quickly at 10:00 local time (13:00 GMT). The perpetrators entered the country's second-largest library via the main entrance. They reportedly overpowered a security guard and restrained an elderly couple who were visiting the premises before exiting the same way they came, heading toward the nearest metro station.

This targeted crime focused specifically on the joint exhibition titled “From Book to Museum,” which was co-sponsored by the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art. Tragically, the theft occurred on the exhibition's final day, suggesting the thieves had precise, insider knowledge of the displayed assets.

The Incalculable Loss of Masterpieces

The core losses involve works by Matisse, one of the 20th Century's most influential artists. Among the irreplaceable items taken, according to local reports, was a collage intended for Matisse's limited-edition art book, Jazz—a work critics universally deem to hold "incalculable" value due to its rarity and significance.

The thieves also secured five engravings by Cândido Portinari, a pivotal figure in Brazilian modernism known for his powerful depictions of rural workers. These specific stolen works were created to illustrate a special edition of José Lins do Rego's classic novel, Menino de engheno (Plantation Boy).

Police Investigation Progress

Despite the Biblioteca Mário de Andrade being equipped with advanced security measures, including facial recognition cameras, the robbery proceeded successfully. However, authorities have confirmed significant progress in the ongoing investigation. Police have successfully identified one of the two suspects and are diligently working to confirm the identity of the second perpetrator. Furthermore, investigators announced that they have managed to locate the vehicle used as the getaway car.

This high-profile crime serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of cultural institutions, echoing the brazen jewelry heist that occurred at the Louvre Museum in Paris less than two months prior.