Four pieces by the renowned 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 of the theft, which included key works by the Renaissance painter that were integral to his hometown. The incident occurred during a national holiday in Italy on Saturday night, leaving museum director Marisa Mercurio devastated. The stolen artworks, part of an altarpiece and a small painting acquired by the Sicilian Region, were described as significant losses for the museum, the city, and the art community.

The theft, which took place just before 10 p.m., involved two of Antonello da Messina’s most renowned pieces, prompting local councillor Enzo Caruso to liken the situation to a movie plot. Caruso suggested that recent high-profile art acquisitions by the museum may have attracted the attention of the thieves. Three panels from the altarpiece known as “Polittico di San Gregorio” were among the stolen artworks, with the altarpiece being the only piece by the Sicilian artist to have always remained in Messina.

Another stolen artwork, a small two-sided painting depicting religious figures, was taken from a secure display case. This theft follows the recent recovery of paintings by other artists, including those by French masters Cézanne, Renoir, and Matisse near Parma.

Art-crime analyst Lynda Albertson highlighted the challenge of selling such recognizable artworks through legitimate channels, suggesting that the thieves may encounter difficulties in monetizing their loot. The stolen Antonello da Messina pieces, characterized by their distinctiveness, could potentially be used as collateral in illicit activities. Antonello da Messina, born around 1430, trained in Naples before returning to Messina to create his notable works influenced by Provençal and Flemish art styles.