Four pieces of art by Antonello da Messina, a renowned 15th-century painter, were reported stolen from the Museo Regionale di Messina, as confirmed by Italy’s culture minister. Alessandro Giuli expressed shock and sadness upon learning about the theft. The missing artworks include significant pieces that were part of the artist’s collection remaining in his hometown and a painting acquired by the Sicilian Region twenty years ago.
The theft occurred during a national holiday in Italy, specifically on Saturday night. Marisa Mercurio, the museum director, described the incident as devastating, noting that the stolen pieces were among Antonello da Messina’s most notable works, causing a significant loss to the museum, the city, and the art community.
Enzo Caruso, a local councilor overseeing culture affairs, likened the situation to a movie plot. He speculated that the recent acquisition of a Messina artwork by the Italian government for $15 million earlier this year might have drawn the attention of the perpetrators. Among the stolen items were three panels from an altarpiece named “Polittico di San Gregorio,” originally consisting of six panels and the only piece by the artist that had never left Messina.
Another piece taken was a two-sided painting featuring the Virgin with Child and a Franciscan monk on one side and Christ on the other. This painting, part of the Wilhelm Soldan collection and purchased by the Sicilian Region in 2003, was attributed to Antonello da Messina.
In light of recent art recoveries in Italy, such as paintings by Cézanne, Renoir, and Matisse, stolen from a museum near Parma, the theft of Antonello da Messina’s works has raised concerns. Art experts highlighted the challenge of selling stolen masterpieces due to their recognizability, potentially leading to further illicit activities within the criminal world.
Antonello da Messina, born around 1430, received his artistic training in Naples, where he was influenced by Provençal and Flemish artists. Returning to Messina in 1457, he continued his artistic endeavors until 1474. The theft of his precious artworks adds to the growing list of cultural losses in the art world.