17.08.2026 11:21
Six works by Antonello da Messina were stolen from the museum in Messina, Italy; the thieves left 2 on the wall while fleeing, and 4 works are still missing. The incident was condemned as an attack on cultural heritage, and an investigation has been launched.
Six works by Antonello da Messina, one of the important painters of the Renaissance period, were stolen from the museum in the Italian city of Messina. Two of them were found near the museum.
THEFT AT THE MUSEUM: 6 WORKS STOLEN
According to the Italian news agency ANSA, some works were stolen from the museum during a procession held in the city on the night of August 15.
It was reported that before 10:00 PM local time, 3 or 4 people with faces covered by helmets entered the museum and stole 6 works, including 3 panels from the 1473 San Gregorio Polyptych attributed to Antonello da Messina, as well as a double-sided panel featuring "Madonna and Child" and "Christ in the Pietà".
2 WORKS FOUND NEAR THE MUSEUM
It is believed that the thieves, noticing people around the museum while fleeing, left 2 works on a wall outside. These works were found shortly thereafter.
4 works, estimated to be worth millions of euros, are still missing.
REACTION FROM ITALIAN OFFICIALS
Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli stated that he felt "astonishment and sorrow" regarding the incident and expressed his readiness to cooperate with authorities.
Sicily's Regional President Renato Schifani described the theft as an "extraordinarily serious crime" and "an unacceptable attack on universal cultural heritage."
INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED
The Messina Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the incident. Antonello da Messina lived in the 15th century and stands out among Sicilian painters known especially for his portraits and religious-themed works.