Four pieces of art by Antonello da Messina, a painter from the 15th century, were stolen from the Museo Regionale di Messina, as confirmed by Italy’s culture minister on Sunday. Alessandro Giuli expressed shock and sadness upon learning about the theft. The stolen artworks include significant pieces by the Renaissance painter that were the only works remaining in his hometown, as well as a smaller painting acquired by the Sicilian Region twenty years ago.
The theft occurred on a national holiday in Italy, specifically on Saturday night. Marisa Mercurio, the museum director, described the incident as devastating, noting that the theft of two of Antonello da Messina’s most important and renowned works was a significant loss for the museum, the city, the community, and the art world.
Local councilor Enzo Caruso mentioned that the recent purchase of a Messina artwork by the Italian state for $15 million may have drawn attention to the museum, potentially leading to the theft. Three out of the five remaining panels of an altarpiece called “Polittico di San Gregorio” were stolen. Originally consisting of six panels meant for a local monastery destroyed in the 1908 earthquake, this altarpiece was the only piece by the Sicilian painter never to have left his hometown. Additionally, a fourth artwork, a small dual-sided painting depicting the Virgin with Child and a Franciscan monk on one side and Christ on the other, was also taken.
Italian authorities recently recovered paintings by French masters that were stolen from a museum near Parma in March. This theft occurred shortly after the police’s successful recovery, further highlighting the challenges posed by art theft.