Art Heist at Sicilian Museum During Holiday Festivities

In the Sicilian city of Messina, thieves made off with four invaluable works attributed to the Renaissance artist Antonello da Messina. The theft, taking place at the regional MuMe museum, coincided with the Assumption holiday celebrations across the city. According to cultural officials and local media reports, thieves cleverly bypassed security measures to pull off the heist.

Late on a bustling Saturday evening, they removed three of the five surviving panels of the San Gregorio Polyptych, dated to 1473. In addition, they stole a double-sided panel depicting the Virgin Mary and the dead Christ in Pietà, usually secured in an armored display case. News agency LaPresse noted that the thieves removed all five panels from the San Gregorio Polyptych but left two abandoned as they fled.

Art expert Alberto Fiz places the artworks’ value at 70 to 80 million euros, equivalent to 81 to 92 million dollars.

MuMe’s director, Marisa Mercurio, expressed devastation at the loss. She told the ANSA news agency the theft occurred shortly before 10 p.m. while alarms were active and guards present. The stolen pieces hold immense significance for the region’s heritage.

Messina’s cultural leader, Enzo Caruso, described the theft as a disaster. Losing Antonello’s works feels like the city is deprived of its cultural essence. Interest in Antonello da Messina had been rising, particularly since Italy’s Culture Ministry acquired another painting, “Ecce Homo,” for a substantial sum from Sotheby’s in New York.

Lynda Albertson, an art-crime analyst with ARCA, remarked that although stealing these artworks might seem simple, selling them through legitimate channels is challenging. These pieces are easily recognizable, complicating resale attempts. Famous artworks like these may circulate among criminals for illicit activities.

Museum officials closed the institution the following Sunday to assist in investigation efforts. The Ferragosto holiday, marking the Assumption of Mary, saw a procession and blessing in Messina, coinciding with the theft.

A similar incident occurred recently in Parma, northern Italy. Authorities there had just retrieved stolen artworks by Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse. Valued at approximately 10 million euros, five suspects were detained over that theft at the Magnani Rocca Foundation in March.