Thieves bypassed alarm and security systems at the MuMe regional museum on Saturday evening. They made off with four Renaissance paintings attributed to Antonello da Messina, one of the most important painters of the early Renaissance. Among the stolen works:
· Three of the five surviving panels of the San Gregorio Polyptych (1473)
· A double-sided panel depicting the Virgin Mary and the dead Christ in Pietà, removed from an armored display case
· Two panels were abandoned outside the museum during the escape
The entire operation took place around 9:50 p.m., while crowds gathered across town for the traditional Assumption holiday celebrations. Museum director Marisa Mercurio said she was "devastated," calling it a "tremendous loss".
THE VALUE
These weren't just any paintings. Italian art expert Alberto Fiz estimates the stolen works are worth between 70 and 80 million euros ($80–$90 million USD). The panels have survived for over 550 years, including the devastating 1908 earthquake that destroyed much of Messina.
THE IRONY
Just months earlier, Italy's Culture Ministry purchased another Antonello da Messina painting, Ecce Homo, from Sotheby's for $14.9 million. That high-profile purchase may have put the museum on thieves' radar.
THE EXPERTS
Art-crime analyst Lynda Albertson told Italian media: “Stealing an Antonello may be far easier than selling one. If these are ordinary thieves, they will soon discover that—to their cost”. The paintings are instantly recognizable, making it nearly impossible to sell through reputable channels. They will likely be used as collateral or traded on the black market.
THE REACTION
Messina's mayor, Federico Basile, said he was "deeply outraged" and vowed that "Messina will not let its history be stolen". Italy's culture minister Alessandro Giuli expressed "shock and sadness". The museum director said the works are "central to our identity"
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