Stolen Renaissance Masterpieces Shock Italian Art Community

In a brazen overnight theft, four valuable artworks by renowned 15th-century painter Antonello da Messina were stolen from the Museo Regionale di Messina. The incident occurred on August 15, a national holiday in Italy, leaving local officials and art lovers in disbelief.

Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli expressed his dismay over the theft, stating, "I’ve learnt of the theft with shock and sadness." He assured the public of a thorough police investigation into the matter, while local councillor Enzo Caruso suggested that the recent high-profile sale of a Messina painting for $15 million may have made the museum a target.

The stolen pieces include three panels from the Polittico di San Gregorio, the only remaining altarpiece by the artist still located in his hometown. Originally composed of six panels, this artwork serves as a significant cultural relic, especially after the original monastery it was destined for was destroyed in the 1908 earthquake.

Additionally, the thieves took a two-sided painting depicting the Virgin with Child and Christ, part of the Wilhelm Soldan collection. This piece was acquired by the Sicilian Region in 2003 and has been attributed to the famed artist.

Source: www.abc.net.au