The items were crafted by the Italian sculptor Umberto Mastroianni between 1950 and 1990 (AFP)

The Vittoriale degli Italiani estate, where the exhibition took place near Lake Garda, Italy, has informed journalists on Sunday that nearly 20 statues and 30 pieces of jewelry valued at €1.2 million ($1.3 million) were stolen.

The stolen artworks were crafted by Umberto Mastroianni, one of the most renowned Italian sculptors of the 20th century, recognized for his monumental works. Created between the 1950s and his passing in 1998, these pieces represent a significant part of his artistic legacy.

The extensive robbery took place on Wednesday, just two days before the scheduled conclusion of the exhibition titled "Like a Warm, Flowing Gold," which had commenced in late December. Investigations into the heist are currently underway.

Unas 50 piezas de joyería y esculturas de oro, valoradas en 1.2 millones de euros (1.3 millones de dólares), del artista Umberto Mastroianni fueron robadas durante una exposición en el norte de Italia, afirmaron el sábado los organizadores.
Fuente: AFP#TReporta pic.twitter.com/hGXEeKcmMT
— Telemetro Reporta (@TReporta) March 10, 2024

According to a spokesperson for the estate, one of the art pieces titled "Uomo/Donna" (Man/Woman), all of which were cast in pure gold, was later discovered within the grounds of the exhibition complex. However, the whereabouts of the remaining 48 pieces remain unknown.

Giordano Bruno Guerri, the head of the estate, said "our alarm systems are very extensive and already of the highest level," adding "we were evidently hit by a highly specialized gang."

Furto di opere d'arte da un milione di euro al Vittoriale degli italiani a Gardone Riviera,Brescia.Sono sparite tutte le 49 opere in oro dell'esposizione temporanea dell'artista Umberto Mastroianni,allestita dal 30 dicembre e che doveva chiudersi domani,8 marzo. pic.twitter.com/UwFtsNNki9
— Franco Scarsella (@FrancoScarsell2) March 7, 2024

Lorenzo Zichichi, president of the Centre for Studies of the Works of Umberto Mastroianni, said "these exceptional artifacts, true ‘wearable sculptures’, represent the most important testimony of the master’s gold production."

He added that if the investigation fails to track the perpetrators, it could result in the "inestimable loss" of nearly the entire collection, which held sentimental value as it belonged to his relatives.

Pope John Paul II, at the end of the weekly general audience, blesses the bronze statue of Saint Francis unveiled in Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican Wednesday May 14, 1997. The three-meter (9-feet) statue by Italian sculptor Umberto Mastroianni will be placed on the Italian side of the Mount Blanc tunnel which links France to Italy. (AP Photo/Massimo Sambucetti)