On Sunday, eight engravings by French artist Henri Matisse and at least five artworks by Brazilian painter Cândido Portinari were stolen from the Biblioteca Mário de Andrade in São Paulo, Brazil.
Incident Details
Two armed individuals reportedly entered the library through its main entrance at 10:00 (13:00 GMT). They subsequently restrained a security guard and an elderly couple who were present at the location. The individuals then departed the premises via the same entrance, moving towards the nearest metro station.
Artworks and Location
The stolen engravings were part of a joint exhibition titled "From Book to Museum," displayed in collaboration with the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art. The theft occurred on the final day of the exhibition. Biblioteca Mário de Andrade is recognized as Brazil's second-largest library.
Investigation Status
Officials reported that the library building in central São Paulo is equipped with cameras featuring facial recognition technology. The mayor of São Paulo informed local media that the individuals responsible for the theft have been identified, though they remain at large.