Artworks Returned to Library

The works, which have a combined estimated worth of about $200,000 (£148,000), were found on Thursday at a home in the town of São Bernardo do Campo, a suburb to the south of the city. A 44-year-old man was arrested at the scene.

The illustrations were part of a joint exhibition with the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art; they were created for the limited-edition art book Jazz and were displayed in an exhibition entitled From Book to Museum.

The local department of culture said the illustrations had already been returned to the library, the security of which had been improved. The artworks were part of a collection that had been on display for the public to view.

Details of the Heist

During the heist at Biblioteca Mário de Andrade on 7 December last year, two thieves overpowered a security guard and an elderly couple who had been visiting the library, before making off with the artworks through the main entrance on foot.

Three other people were previously arrested in relation to the case. The thieves reportedly entered the library by its main entrance mid-morning and headed towards the nearest metro station following the heist.

Investigators said the theives placed the stolen artworks in a canvas bag to flee the scene. The artworks were targeted on the final day of the exhibition, which was scheduled to last only a few weeks.

Five engravings by the Brazilian artist Candido Portinari that were also taken during the robbery have not yet been recovered. Police in São Paulo said they suspected the works had been sold.

Arrests and Suspects

João Paulo Linhares de Araujo, the man arrested on Thursday, is suspected by police of having stored the Matisse artworks on behalf of those accused of being involved in the theft, as well as illegal possession of a firearm.

Laéssio Rodrigues de Oliveira, 53, described by Brazilian media as a prolific art thief, is suspected of having planned and directed the crime, according to Brazilian news outlet Globo. He has been in custody since April after being arrested in relation to another case.

Another man and a woman have also been arrested over the library heist. The arrests were made as part of an ongoing investigation into the theft and the suspected sale of the artworks.

Matisse is widely considered to be one of the 20th Century’s most influential artists and art critics say the value of the stolen works is “incalculable.” Portinari, who often painted rural workers and labourers, is one of the most significant Brazilian Modernist artists.