Magritte Stolen in Armed Robbery

Published: September 24, 2009

Courtesy Art Loss Register

Rene Magritte, "Olympia" (1948)

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JETTE, Belgium—A 1948 painting by Belgian surrealist Rene Magritte was stolen today from his former home in Jette, now a museum dedicated to his life and work, according to the Art Loss Register.

Two armed men forced their way into the museum, which is open by appointment only, and ordered staff to to lie on the floor while they made off with the work, titled Olympia and valued at $1.1 million. No shots were fired.

The work depicts Magritte's wife, Georgette, lying on her back with a shell on her stomach.

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