Three masterpieces by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse stolen from Fondazione Magnani-Rocca in Italy

A theft at the Fondazione Magnani-Rocca, a private art foundation and museum established by Italian art collector Luigi Magnani in 1977, has shocked the art world after three valuable paintings were stolen from its renowned ‘Villa dei Capolavori’ at Mamiano di Traversetolo, a few kilometres south of Parma in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, on the intervening night between March 22 and 23, 2026.

A statement by the foundation in Italian language mentions that the stolen works were part of the permanent collection donated by Luigi Magnani. 

The missing pieces include Les Poissons (circa 1917) by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Still Life with Cherries (1890) by Paul Cézanne, and Odalisque on a Terrace (1922) by Henri Matisse.

The foundation said it immediately activated all security and legal protocols following the incident and is currently working closely with Italy’s Carabinieri unit for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, along with other authorities leading the investigation.

No further official details about the theft or suspects have been released so far.

Despite the incident, the foundation confirmed that the Villa dei Capolavori remains open to visitors and all scheduled activities are continuing without disruption.

It also reiterated its ongoing exhibition programme, including the current showcase dedicated to Symbolism, underscoring its continued commitment to preserving and promoting art.

The foundation expressed full confidence in investigators and said any updates will be shared through its official channels.