Italian cultural authorities reported that thieves stole four works by Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina from the MuMe regional museum in Messina, Sicily, valued at several million euros. The perpetrators took three of the five panels from the Polyptych of San Gregorio, dated 1473, as well as a double-sided panel depicting the Virgin Mary and Christ in the Pietà.
According to local reports, the thieves dismounted the five panels of the Polyptych from their frame, but left two hidden behind a wall as they fled. The theft occurred shortly before 22:00, museum director Marisa Mercurio told the ANSA agency, at a time when guards were present in the building and alarm and security systems were functioning.
Art expert Alberto Fiz estimated the value of the stolen works at between 70 million and 80 million euros. Mercurio noted that these are two of the most important and recognized works by Antonello da Messina, describing them as fundamental to the region's heritage.
The theft took place during the traditional celebrations of the Feast of the Assumption, when crowds gathered throughout the city for a procession in the central Piazza Duomo. Enzo Caruso, head of Culture in Messina, called the incident "more than just a loss" and urged the swift recovery of the stolen works.
Lynda Albertson, an analyst specializing in art crime, noted that the works are instantly recognizable, which prevents any attempt to sell them through legitimate channels. The museum remained closed on Sunday as investigators collected evidence.