A failed art theft that could have had international repercussions is now being described by Spanish authorities as a case of costly ignorance. Thieves who broke into a church near Seville in the early hours of the morning believed they were stealing a valuable El Greco painting. Instead, they walked away with a replica.
The incident took place on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the parish church of San Eutropio in Paradas, in the province of Seville, where unknown perpetrators targeted La Magdalena Penitente by El Greco.
A carefully planned break-in, with the wrong result
The church alarm was triggered at around 4am, prompting an immediate response. According to initial findings, the intruders entered through a side door of the sacristy, moved methodically through the building and removed a painting displayed inside the church.
It was only hours later that the twist emerged. The artwork taken was not the original, but a faithful copy. The authentic painting remained securely in place, protected by a separate alarm system and metal barriers.
Security measures foiled the theft
Investigators believe the suspects were aiming for the original work but lacked knowledge of the church’s layout and security arrangements. The original Penitent Magdalene is kept in a specially protected chamber, as are other artworks of high artistic and historical value.
This miscalculation ultimately led to what authorities are describing as a failed and, ironically, harmless theft.
Investigation under way
Officers from the Guardia Civil arrived at the scene shortly after the alarm was activated, collecting fingerprints and other evidence. No suspects have been identified so far.
Authorities are also examining the possibility of a so-called “theft to order”, a theory supported by the highly specific nature of the target, even if the execution suggests incomplete or inaccurate information.
A recurring theme in El Greco’s work
The Penitent Magdalene is among El Greco’s most emblematic subjects. The artist produced several versions of the theme between 1580 and 1585, reflecting the evolution of his distinctive style. Variations of the painting can today be found in major collections, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, Bilbao and the sacristy of Toledo Cathedral.
It remains unclear how the original work came to be housed in the church of San Eutropio in Paradas. What is certain, however, is that thanks to effective security measures and the apparent lack of preparation by the thieves, a priceless treasure of Spanish and European art narrowly escaped a theft that would have resonated far beyond the region.