A museum dedicated to legendary French Impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir has been targeted in a major art theft, with four works taken from the site in Cagnes-sur-Mer, southern France.
Authorities say two thieves forced their way into the museum and escaped with the artworks. During their getaway, one of the stolen pieces was apparently abandoned and later recovered, while the remaining works are still missing.
The mayor of Cagnes-sur-Mer estimated the combined value of the stolen pieces at approximately €9 million, equivalent to around $10 million.
Police have launched an investigation and are working to identify those responsible, while also examining whether the robbery was carefully planned in advance.
Investigators are particularly interested in determining whether the thieves deliberately targeted specific works connected to Renoir or simply took pieces they believed would carry the highest value.
The theft has caused concern among local cultural institutions and residents, with authorities now focused on tracing the suspects and recovering the missing artworks.
The investigation remains ongoing.
