Two Renoir Paintings Worth $10.5 Million Recovered in France

Two Renoir paintings valued at €9 million ($10.5 million) are returning to the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer after local authorities in the southern French town recovered them, Mayor Bryan Masson announced in a statement.

The recovered works are Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano (1910) and Jeune fille au puits (1886). Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft.

Masson, a member of France's far-right National Rally, called the recovery a victory for the town's identity. The paintings, he said, "are far more than works of art. They are part of our city's history, our cultural heritage and the legacy Auguste Renoir left to Cagnes-sur-Mer."

He added: "Their recovery is a tremendous relief for the people of Cagnes-sur-Mer and for everyone who cares deeply about our museum."

How did the theft unfold?

The two canvases were among four Renoirs stolen in a pre-dawn raid in September. The thieves abandoned the other two paintings — Portrait of Madame Pichon (1895) and Coco Lisant (1905) — during the escape.

At the time of the robbery, Masson condemned the raid in stark terms. "Attacking the Renoir Museum is an attack on a part of Cagnes-sur-Mer's history and heritage," he said.

The mayor also detailed the burglars' methods. According to Masson, the thieves used "an electric knife" or "a metal saw" to cut the bolts from which the paintings hung.

What is the Renoir Museum?

The institution holds a singular place in the artist's biography. It was Renoir's last home, and it now exhibits his paintings, sculptures, and furniture.

Before the robbery, the museum had 12 of Renoir's paintings on view. The theft of four of them removed a third of that display in a single night.

The recovery restores the collection just as public attention on the artist runs high. Renoir is currently the subject of a blockbuster exhibition at the National Gallery in London, featuring 40 of his paintings.

With the two recovered works back in Cagnes-sur-Mer and six suspects in custody, the case now moves toward prosecution — while the museum faces questions about securing the legacy Renoir left the town.