Antonello da Messina Artworks Stolen From Museum in Messina, Italy

MESSINA, Italy — Four artworks by Renaissance master Antonello da Messina were stolen overnight from the Museo Regionale di Messina in Sicily, including three panels from the historic Polittico di San Gregorio.

Thieves Target Historic Renaissance Works

The thieves entered the museum during the night of August 15 and removed three of the five surviving panels from the San Gregorio altarpiece, one of the most important works by the 15th-century Sicilian painter.

The altarpiece is especially significant because it is the only surviving work by Antonello da Messina that had remained in his native city.

Painting Removed From Secure Display Case

A fourth artwork, a small double-sided painting, was also stolen from a secured display case.

The work depicts the Virgin and Child with a Franciscan monk on one side and Christ on the other.

Police Investigate Major Museum Theft

Authorities said the thieves appeared to have acted with precision and managed to bypass museum security systems.

Police are investigating the break-in and searching for information that could identify those responsible and recover the stolen artworks.