Four pieces of art by Antonello da Messina, a painter from the 15th century, were taken overnight from the Museo Regionale di Messina, as confirmed by Italy’s culture minister on Sunday. Alessandro Giuli expressed shock and sadness upon learning of the theft. The stolen artworks include parts of the only surviving collection by the Renaissance artist in his hometown and a small painting acquired by the Sicilian Region twenty years ago. The theft occurred on a national holiday in Italy, reported by the media.

Marisa Mercurio, the museum director, described the incident as devastating, noting that it occurred just before 10 p.m. She emphasized that the stolen pieces were among Antonello da Messina’s most significant and well-known works, marking a substantial loss for the museum, the city, the community, and the art world.

Enzo Caruso, a local councilor overseeing culture, likened the event 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 attracted the attention of the thief or thieves. Three out of the five remaining panels from an altarpiece called “Polittico di San Gregorio” were stolen. Originally consisting of six panels, the altarpiece was never taken out of Messina, the painter’s birthplace, making it a unique loss.

Another artwork, a small two-sided painting showing the Virgin with Child and a Franciscan monk on one side and Christ on the other, was also stolen from a secure display case. This piece was part of the Wilhelm Soldan collection and was acquired by the Sicilian Region in 2003.

Following the theft, art-crime analyst Lynda Albertson mentioned that such renowned artworks are easily recognizable, making it challenging to sell them through legitimate channels. She warned that stealing an Antonello da Messina’s work might be simpler than selling it, as these pieces are often utilized as collateral in illicit activities.

Antonello da Messina, born around 1430, trained in Naples and was influenced by Provençal and Flemish artists. He returned to Messina in 1457 and worked there until 1474. The theft occurred shortly after Italian police recovered three paintings by French masters that were stolen from a museum near Parma in March.

In conclusion, the theft of these valuable artworks has shaken the art community and raised concerns about the fate of these historic pieces.