Brazilian police recover stolen Matisse illustrations from art book «Jazz»

Background: The artist's book «Jazz»

According to the city administration, the illustrations had disappeared from the Mário de Andrade Library, one of the most important public libraries in São Paulo. After the theft became known, the police launched an investigation, in the course of which the works could now be located and seized.

The police initially provided no information on the exact location where the works were found or on possible suspects. It also initially remained unclear whether the sheets were recovered during a targeted search, following a tip from the public, or in the course of other investigations. The authorities announced further information as the investigation progresses.

Investigation and location

The case attracted attention in Brazil also because the Mário de Andrade Library is regarded as a cultural center of the city. It regularly hosts exhibitions and events and holds a collection of artworks made accessible to the public. Matisse's «Jazz» is considered one of the most important artist's books of the 20th century.

Brazilian police have for years faced the challenge of solving art thefts from public collections. Only a few years ago, a spectacular art heist occurred at the Museu de Arte Moderna in Rio de Janeiro, during which works by, among others, Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso disappeared. Works by artists such as Cândido Portinari and other modern masters had also been stolen from public collections in São Paulo in the past.

Art thefts in Brazil

The illustrations from «Jazz» are not unique pieces, but part of a limited original edition. However, the exhibited copies were considered particularly valuable because they came from a public collection and had been entrusted to Brazil's cultural heritage. Their recovery is therefore regarded as a success by cultural figures and politicians.

The city administration announced that, once the police investigations are completed, the seized works will be made accessible to the public again. Before that, they are to undergo forensic examination and conservation checks in order to determine any damage caused by the theft and improper storage.

In the São Paulo region, several art thefts from public institutions had recently been reported. In neighboring São Bernardo do Campo, investigators had also been able to track down stolen art objects. The repeated cases had triggered a debate about security standards in the country's museums and libraries.