On a recent Saturday night, four Renaissance paintings of significant value were stolen from a museum in Sicily, Italy. These artworks, attributed to the renowned artist Antonello da Messina, date back to the 15th century.
The stolen pieces include three panels of the San Gregorio Polyptych and a double-sided panel depicting The Madonna and Child. The theft occurred at the Regional Interdisciplinary Museum of Messina, as confirmed by Italy’s Ministry of Culture.
The San Gregorio Polyptych, a painting sectioned into multiple panels, originally consisted of at least five parts. It suffered damage in a 1908 earthquake. The panel of The Madonna and Child was listed on Christie’s auction website, having been sold for over $300,000 in 2003.
Antonello da Messina created the Polyptych of St. Gregory in 1473. Each panel of this artwork holds immense historical significance.
“Extraordinary value for our cultural heritage,” Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli stated in reaction to the theft. He expressed deep dismay and regret over the incident.
Messina’s mayor condemned the act as “heinous” and expressed his outrage, particularly as it coincided with the city’s traditional celebrations honoring the Virgin Mary. Federico Basile emphasized the community’s determination to recover the stolen pieces, stating, “Messina will not let its history be stolen.”
This theft follows closely after the Italian state’s recent purchase of Antonello da Messina’s work, “Ecce Homo,” at a New York auction for nearly $15 million, highlighting ongoing interest in the artist’s creations.