Four works attributed to Antonello da Messina were stolen from the Regional Interdisciplinary Museum of Messina on Saturday night.
Key facts
- •The stolen items include three panels from the Polyptych of San Gregorio and one double-sided panel of the Madonna with Child and Christ in Pietà.
- •The theft occurred at the Regional Interdisciplinary Museum of Messina on Saturday night.
- •Antonello da Messina was a 15th-century Sicilian painter recognized as an early Renaissance master.
- •The San Gregorio Polyptych was originally commissioned in 1473.
- •Investigators are working on the theory that the theft was a targeted commission for the black market.
Four Renaissance paintings of significant value were stolen from the Regional Interdisciplinary Museum of Messina in Sicily on Saturday night. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli confirmed the theft of three panels from the Polyptych of San Gregorio and a double-sided panel depicting the Madonna with Child and Christ in Pietà, all attributed to artist Antonello da Messina.
Details of the theft
Museum director Marisa Mercurio stated the theft is believed to have occurred around 21:50 local time. Investigators are currently examining how the thieves accessed the museum without triggering alarms. According to the Italian news agency Ansa, the Madonna and Christ in Pietà panel was removed from a secure display case. Because the stolen works are on wooden panels, they could not be easily rolled up for transport.
Investigation and context
Police are investigating the incident, with initial suspicions suggesting the paintings may have been stolen to order for the black market. Antonello da Messina, a 15th-century painter born in Sicily, is considered a master of the early Renaissance. The San Gregorio Polyptych, commissioned in 1473 for the monastery of Santa Maria, features the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus flanked by St. Gregory, St. Benedict, and angels.
Timeline
- 1473The San Gregorio Polyptych was commissioned for the monastery of Santa Maria.
- Saturday nightFour paintings were stolen from the Regional Interdisciplinary Museum of Messina.
- 21:50 local timeThe estimated time the theft occurred on Saturday.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Entertainment & Arts.
