Stolen Matisse artworks recovered by police in Brazil

Eight illustrations by French artist Henri Matisse that were stolen from a room in São Paulo have been recovered by police in Brazil. The works, whose combined value is estimated at about $200,000 (£148,000), were found on Thursday at a residence in the municipality of São Bernardo do Campo, a suburb south of the city. A 44‑year‑old male suspect was apprehended at the scene. The theft occurred on 7 December last year at the Biblioteca Mário de Andrade. Two thieves overpowered a security guard and an elderly couple who were visiting the library, then fled with the artworks through the main entrance on foot. Three other individuals had previously been arrested in connection with the investigation. Five engravings by Brazilian artist Candido Portinari that were also taken during the robbery remain missing. São Paulo police said they suspect those works have been sold. João Paulo Linhares de Araujo, the man arrested on Thursday, is alleged by police to have stored the Matisse pieces on behalf of those accused of participating in the theft and to have possessed a firearm illegally. Laéssio Rodrigues de Oliveira, 53, described by Brazilian media as a prolific art thief, is accused of planning and directing the heist, according to Globo. He has been in custody since April following his arrest in an unrelated case. Additionally, a man and a woman have been detained for their involvement in the library robbery.