Two paintings by renowned French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, stolen from a museum in southern France, have been recovered, while six suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft.

The recovery was announced on Friday by Bryan Masson, mayor of Cagnes-sur-Mer, where the museum is located.

The artworks were stolen during a break-in in early September, when thieves reportedly entered the museum grounds, broke into the building and attempted to remove four paintings. They escaped with two works, abandoning the other two as they fled.

Thieves Cut Through Fence to Enter Museum

According to Masson, the suspects cut through a fence surrounding the museum’s tree-lined grounds before smashing a window to gain entry.

They allegedly used an electric saw to cut through the frame mountings and remove the paintings.

The theft was part of a series of major art robberies involving French galleries and museums, raising concerns about the security of valuable cultural collections.

Mayor Welcomes Recovery

Announcing the recovery, Masson described the paintings as important pieces of the town’s heritage.

“These two paintings are not simply works of art. They are part of our city’s history,” he said.

He added that their recovery was a source of considerable relief for the community.

The paintings are reportedly worth millions of dollars, although authorities have not released an official valuation of the recovered works.

Police Yet to Release Details

As of Friday, police had not issued an official statement detailing the arrests or the recovery operation.

Masson did not disclose where the paintings were found or provide information about their condition following the theft.

Further details about the six suspects and the investigation are expected from the relevant authorities.

The recovery marks a significant development in a case involving works by one of the leading figures of French Impressionism.