Police in Brazil have recovered eight illustrations by the French artist Henri Matisse that were stolen from the Biblioteca Mário de Andrade in São Paulo. The artworks, estimated to be worth approximately $200,000, were found on Thursday at a residence in São Bernardo do Campo, a suburb south of the city.
A 44-year-old man was arrested at the scene and is suspected of illegal possession of a firearm and storing the artworks on behalf of those accused of involvement in the theft. Police identified the man as João Paulo Linhares de Araujo.
The theft occurred on December 7 of the previous year, when two individuals overpowered a security guard and an elderly couple visiting the library. The thieves then escaped on foot through the main entrance with the artworks. Three other individuals have previously been arrested in connection with the heist.
Five engravings by Brazilian artist Candido Portinari, also stolen during the robbery, have not yet been recovered. Authorities suspect these works may have been sold.
Brazilian media have identified Laéssio Rodrigues de Oliveira, 53, as a suspect who allegedly planned and directed the crime. He has been in custody since April for an unrelated case. An additional man and a woman have also been arrested in connection with the library theft.