Thieves steal four Renaissance artworks from Messina museum in Sicily

Four artworks by Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina were stolen from the Museo Regionale in Messina, Sicily, overnight on August 15. The thieves took three panels from the Polittico di San Gregorio, a key altarpiece that is one of the only surviving works by the 15th‑century artist still held in his hometown. The theft left the museum with only a single panel of the original composition. Italian authorities launched an investigation the next morning, and police have begun searching the surrounding area for the missing pieces.

The theft comes at a time when Italy is grappling with a wave of cultural heritage crimes. Antonello da Messina, born in 1430, is credited with introducing oil painting to the Italian peninsula and is celebrated for his mastery of light and detail. The Polittico di San Gregorio, painted in 1481, is a rare example of his work and a cornerstone of the city’s artistic legacy. The museum, which recently completed a refurbishment of its security systems, was considered one of the safest repositories for regional art, making the breach all the more shocking.

Police recovered a bag of stolen art supplies at the scene, and investigators are combing the streets of Messina and nearby towns for clues. The museum’s director issued a statement saying, “We are devastated by this loss, but we will work closely with law enforcement to recover the panels.” The Guardia di Finanza, Italy’s financial police, has taken the lead on the case, and the Ministry of Culture has pledged additional resources to support the investigation. Early reports suggest the panels could be sold on the black market,