Four pieces of art by the 15th-century artist Antonello da Messina were stolen from the Museo Regionale di Messina, as confirmed by Italy’s culture minister on Sunday. Alessandro Giuli expressed shock and sorrow upon learning about the theft. The stolen artworks include significant pieces by the Renaissance painter that had been in his hometown, as well as a painting acquired by the Sicilian Region twenty years ago.
The theft occurred on a national holiday in Italy, with the museum director, Marisa Mercurio, describing the incident as devastating. Two of Antonello da Messina’s most renowned works were taken, leading to a significant loss for the museum, the city, and the art community.
Local councillor Enzo Caruso suggested that the recent acquisition of a Messina artwork by the Italian state for $15 million may have attracted the attention of the thieves. The stolen items consist of three panels from an altarpiece known as ‘Polittico di San Gregorio’ and a small two-sided painting featuring religious imagery.
The stolen painting was part of the Wilhelm Soldan collection and had been attributed to the artist in 2003. This incident follows the recent purchase by Italy’s Culture Ministry of another painting, ‘Ecce Homo,’ just before it was to be auctioned off by Sotheby’s.
Art-crime analyst Lynda Albertson noted that the stolen works are easily recognizable, making it challenging for the thieves to sell them through legitimate channels. She warned that attempting to sell such famous artworks could prove costly for the perpetrators, as these pieces often circulate within criminal networks as collateral.
Antonello da Messina, born around 1430, trained in Naples before returning to Messina, where he created his notable works until 1474. The theft occurred shortly after Italian police recovered three paintings by French masters that were stolen in March from a museum near Parma.
The community is deeply saddened by the loss of these valuable artworks, and efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen pieces.
