Four pieces of art by 15th-century artist Antonello da Messina were stolen from the Museo Regionale di Messina, as confirmed by Italy’s culture minister on Sunday. Alessandro Giuli expressed shock and sadness upon learning about the theft. The stolen artworks included significant pieces by the Renaissance painter, with one being the only surviving work in his hometown and another acquired by the Sicilian Region twenty years ago.

The theft occurred on a national holiday in Italy, with the museum director, Marisa Mercurio, describing the incident as devastating. Two of Antonello da Messina’s most renowned works were taken, leading to a significant loss for the museum, the city, and the art community.

Local councilor Enzo Caruso suggested that the recent high-profile purchase of a Messina artwork by the Italian state may have attracted the attention of the thieves. Three panels from an altarpiece known as “Polittico di San Gregorio” were among the stolen artworks. Originally consisting of six panels, this altarpiece was the only piece by the Sicilian painter to have never left Messina.

Another artwork stolen was a small two-sided painting depicting the Virgin with Child and Christ, which was taken from a secure display case. The theft follows the recent recovery of paintings by other artists, including French masters, in Italy.

Art-crime analyst Lynda Albertson highlighted the challenge of selling recognizable stolen artworks like those by Antonello da Messina, warning that thieves may struggle to profit from the theft. She emphasized that such famous artworks often circulate within criminal networks to facilitate illicit activities.

Antonello da Messina, born around 1430, trained in Naples before returning to Messina, where he produced his notable works until 1474. The theft took place shortly after Italian authorities recovered stolen paintings by French artists in a separate incident.

The stolen artworks depict the Virgin with Child, a Franciscan monk, and Christ, showcasing the artist’s unique style and influence from Provençal and Flemish artists during his career.