The incident took place at the villa of the Fondazione Magnani-Rocca Foundation, which houses an extensive collection of European art. According to law enforcement agencies, the crime was committed at night: four masked men entered the territory through the front door and went to the exhibition halls, writes The Guardian.
According to the investigation, the attackers acted quickly and coherently. The whole operation took less than three minutes, indicating thorough preparation. After breaking in, they took the pre-selected works and fled through the garden, leaving no significant traces.
The stolen works include Renoir’s “Fish”, Cézanne’s “Still Life with Cherries” and Matisse’s “Odalisque on the Terrace”. These works are not only of high material but also cultural value, as such works are rarely exhibited in Italy.
The alarm went off almost immediately, and security personnel and police arrived on the scene. However, by this time the criminals had already left the museum. Investigators are now analyzing CCTV footage from both inside the building and the surrounding area.
The Magnani-Rocca Foundation, founded in 1977, is known for its rich collection, including works by such masters as Dürer, Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya and Monet. Experts say such crimes are becoming increasingly common in Europe, and museums remain an attractive target for well-organized criminal groups.
