Two thieves broke into the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer on the French Riviera early Tuesday and stole four paintings in a rapid morning raid, authorities said.
The suspects reportedly cut a hole in the museum’s garden fence before forcing their way through a window shortly before 6 a.m. They grabbed four works and attempted to flee, but an alarm brought police to the scene within minutes.
Two of the paintings were abandoned in the museum gardens during the escape and have since been recovered. The two works still missing are “Madame Colonna Romano” and “Young Woman at the Well,” both belonging to Paris’ Musée d’Orsay and displayed at the Renoir Museum on loan.
Authorities have launched an investigation and are treating the case as a possible organized-art theft. The thieves remain at large.
The museum occupies the former home of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, where the celebrated Impressionist spent the final years of his life. Its collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs and personal objects connected to the artist.
The theft comes amid growing concern over security at French museums. A recent government review found that many institutions lack adequate surveillance and emergency plans, while European authorities have warned of changing patterns in art theft.
The latest robbery is likely to intensify pressure on French officials to strengthen protection for cultural institutions. The stolen Renoir works would be extremely difficult to sell legally because their identities and ownership histories are well documented.
Police are now searching for the suspects and the two missing paintings as investigators work to determine whether the robbery was planned by a professional art-theft network.