Brazil Art Heist Is Cloaked by Carnival

[swag]

http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/02/26/international/americas/26brazil.html

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Published: February 26, 2006

RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb 25, 2006 (Agence France-Presse) — Millions of Brazilians danced to the rhythm of samba drums as they celebrated Carnival Saturday, many of them unaware of an art heist on Friday night that has marred the world's biggest street party.

Using the cover of Carnival crowds to make their escape, armed thieves burst into the Chacara do Ceu museum in Rio de Janeiro and walked off with paintings by Picasso, Matisse, Monet and Dali, as well as a book by Picasso.

Experts said the artworks were worth at least $20 million and were among the most important in the museum's collection.

The paintings were "The Dance" by Picasso and a book by him titled "Toros"; "Marine" by Monet, "Garden of Luxembourg" by Matisse and "Two Balconies" by Dali, said the museum director, Vera de Alencar.

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[GirlinContempt]

1. Ouch, that's sad

I went to that museum

[Robb]

2. Ach. Oy. Whichever.