On November 20, 2024, the Cognacq-Jay Museum, located in the Marais in Paris, was the target of a very violent robbery. Four hooded individuals armed with baseball bats burst into the establishment in broad daylight, while visitors were present. The criminals broke windows and stole several precious objects, including gold snuff boxes decorated with precious stones, with an estimated value of around one million euros.
Among the stolen items are two items on loan from the Louvre Museum. These are two snuff boxes dating from the 18th century, made respectively by Johann Christian Neuber (Dresden around 1763-1770. Inventory number OA 63) and by Daniel Baudesson (Berlin 1760-1770. Inventory number OA 2142).
One of the snuff boxes stolen from the Cognacq-Jay Museum and belonging to the Louvre Museum made by Daniel Baudesson, around 1760-1770.
© RMN-Grand Palais (Louvre museum) / Martine Beck-Coppola
According to authorities, the thieves acted quickly, seizing the most valuable pieces before fleeing on motorcycles. No injuries were reported among visitors or staff, but the incident caused great emotion. Paris town hall announced the establishment of psychological support for those present during the attack.
The Cognacq-Jay Museum, a municipal museum inaugurated in 1929, houses a collection of 18th-century art, including paintings, sculptures and decorative art objects. The stolen pieces were part of the temporary exhibition “Pocket Luxury”, highlighting precious objects from the Enlightenment era.
An investigation was opened by the banditry suppression brigade to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of this daring theft. The authorities examine surveillance camera recordings and collect testimonies to trace the route of the criminals.
The stolen objects cannot be sold as is on the official art market, but specialists fear that the thieves will destroy the jewelry in order to sell the stones separately.
