Four Renaissance-era paintings have been stolen from the Regional Interdisciplinary Museum of Messina in Sicily. Officials confirmed the theft late Saturday, noting that the stolen works include three panels of the San Gregorio Polyptych and a double-sided panel of The Madonna and Child. All four pieces are attributed to the 15th-century artist Antonello da Messina and are described by the Ministry of Culture as having extraordinary value for Italian heritage.
The San Gregorio Polyptych has a troubled history, as it sustained damage during the 1908 earthquake. The Madonna and Child panel is a notable piece on the market, having sold at auction for over $300,000 back in 2003. This loss is particularly felt by the local community in Messina, as the theft occurred during city celebrations honoring the Virgin Mary.
Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli expressed deep dismay regarding the crime. Messina mayor Federico Basile issued a statement calling the theft a heinous act and pledging that the city will work to recover its history. Law enforcement is currently investigating the incident.
The event follows a separate high-profile acquisition by the Italian state, which recently purchased another Antonello da Messina work, Ecce Homo, at a New York auction for nearly $15 million. As investigators track the missing pieces, local authorities remain focused on identifying those responsible and securing the return of the stolen artifacts.