Thieves broke into a museum in the birthplace of 15th century painter Antonello da Messina and stole four artworks during a major religious celebration, in what local authorities believe was a commissioned theft.
Four artworks by Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina were taken from the Museo Regionale di Messina in Sicily late on Saturday, during the town's Assumption Day festivities. The theft occurred while residents participated in a lengthy procession featuring a decorated carriage with religious statues, which diverted public attention from the museum.
Thieves removed five wooden panels comprising an altarpiece known as Polittico di San Gregorio, though two panels were abandoned just outside the museum entrance. This altarpiece is historically significant as the only known work by the Sicilian painter to have remained continuously in his hometown. Originally destined for a local monastery destroyed in Messina's 1908 earthquake, the altarpiece originally contained six panels. The thieves also took a small two-sided painting from a secure display case, depicting religious figures on each side. This work was purchased by the Sicilian Region from Christie's auction house in 2003.
Local officials believe the burglary was premeditated. Enzo Caruso, a councillor responsible for cultural affairs, suggested that heightened international attention to Antonello da Messina's works—particularly Italy's state purchase of another painting for $15 million earlier in 2024—may have motivated the criminals. Caruso described the theft as "almost certainly a commissioned theft." Mayor Federico Basile confirmed the timing of the break-in to Reuters, while Caruso stated the community felt "truly stunned" by the incident.
Antonello da Messina, born around 1430, trained in Naples and developed his artistic style under Flemish influence before returning to his native city in 1457. The Messina museum also houses works by baroque master Caravaggio.
