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 his shock and sadness upon learning about the theft. The stolen artworks include significant pieces by the Renaissance artist that were part of the museum’s collection for many years. The theft occurred on a national holiday in Italy, with the museum director, Marisa Mercurio, describing the incident as devastating.
The stolen artworks consisted of two renowned works by Antonello da Messina, identified as crucial pieces in the art world. The theft took place shortly before 10 p.m., according to reports. Additionally, three panels from an altarpiece called “Polittico di San Gregorio” were among the stolen artworks. The altarpiece, originally comprising six panels, was the only artwork by the Sicilian painter that had always remained in his hometown.
Enzo Caruso, a local councilor responsible for culture, mentioned that the recent purchase of a Messina artwork by the Italian government for $15 million US might have attracted the attention of the thieves. Another stolen artwork depicted the Virgin with Child and a Franciscan monk on one side and Christ on the other, taken from a secure display case at the museum.
The recent theft follows the recovery of paintings by other artists earlier this year. The stolen artworks are distinctive and easily recognizable, making it difficult for the thieves to sell them through legitimate channels. The stolen pieces are likely to be used as collateral for illicit activities within criminal circles.
Antonello da Messina, born around 1430, trained in Naples before returning to Messina, where he continued his work until 1474. The theft occurred shortly after Italian authorities recovered paintings by French artists that were stolen from a museum near Parma in March.