Two Stolen Renoir Paintings Recovered in France After Six Arrests

The theft took place on September 8 at the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer, on the French Riviera. The two paintings carried away were "Portrait de Madame Colonna-Romano" and "Jeune femme au puits", according to Franceinfo.

The thieves initially took four pieces but dropped two as they fled, Deutsche Welle reported. Its coverage valued the four pieces at more than $10 million, while Euronews described the theft as worth €9 million.

On October 8, BBC News reported that at least five people had been arrested in connection with the theft. At that point, the two missing paintings had not been recovered.

On October 9, Euronews reported that the suspects were believed to include the two alleged burglars. They reportedly broke into the museum at dawn by cutting through a fence.

Later coverage on October 9 brought a major change: both paintings had been found. Franceinfo reported that the recovery followed a wave of arrests, a month after the burglary.

The reported arrest count also rose. CBC News said local authorities reported six arrests, rather than the earlier figure of at least five.

Both missing paintings have now been recovered. The town's mayor confirmed their recovery on Friday, according to The Local.

Officials praised those who tracked down the works but did not reveal how they were found, Deutsche Welle reported. The recovery resolves the question of whether the paintings could be located, but the available coverage gives no account of their condition.

The remaining questions concern how investigators found the paintings and what roles the arrested suspects allegedly played. Euronews described two suspects as alleged burglars, but the supplied reports do not explain the suspected involvement of the others.