The theft, in which the work was cut and taken from its frame, was discovered by museum guards closing the galleries on November 16, in the afternoon. The painting was on view at the Hôtel Fabrégat, which houses some of the museum’s collection, including Jean Moulin’s private holdings, which also includes works by Soutine, Raoul Dufy, and Suzanne Valadon. The collection was gifted to the city by Moulin’s sister in 1975.
The art museum does not have any security cameras. The empty frame was noticed shortly after the theft by museum guards, according to the local city council. An official complaint was filed by the city that same evening, although the news of the theft was not publicly revealed for several days.
Left: Giorgio de Chirico’s Composition with Self-Portrait (1926)
The work was intended to be exhibited in the future museum of the birthplace of Jean Moulin, which the council said was a much more secure location.
