The Magnani-Rocca foundation, recently targeted by a burglary at the end of March, is inviting visitors to explore its collection, described as “wounded but wonderful.” The foundation is also reaching out to businesses and institutions.
In a statement posted on its website, the Italian foundation highlighted the shocking theft it experienced last week to showcase the uniqueness of its collection. Three paintings were stolen in March from the museum located in Mamiano di Traversetolo, near Parma. The stolen artworks included “Les Poissons” (1917) by Auguste Renoir, “Nature morte aux cerises” (1885-1887) by Paul Cézanne, and “L’odalisque sur la terrasse” (1922) by Henri Matisse, currently being exhibited at the Grand Palais.
The theft was carried out in less than three minutes by four masked individuals who forced the main door and escaped through the gardens. The foundation commended the swift action of its guards and the carabinieri, emphasizing that the consequences could have been more severe without their courage and prompt response.
Rather than appearing weakened, the Italian private institution released a lengthy text in response to the theft, stating that “when one chooses to open their beauty to the world, they become vulnerable.” This sentiment echoed similar arguments made after the Louvre burglary by conservators worldwide.
The foundation expressed its desire to celebrate “beauty” in response to the burglary, encouraging visitors, businesses, and institutions to discover or support the museum. The museum emphasized the enduring beauty of its collection despite the recent events.
The museum houses Luigi Magnani’s collection, a renowned art historian and musicologist who gathered masterpieces by artists such as Dürer, Titian, Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya, Monet, and Morandi. The foundation extended an invitation to visitors to explore the permanent collection, described as “wounded but still wonderful,” emphasizing its history’s resilience against any crime.
