Four Antonello da Messina Paintings Stolen from Sicilian Museum in Five-Minute Heist

On Saturday night, August 15, thieves stole four major paintings by Renaissance artist Antonello da Messina from the Museo Interdisciplinare Regionale (MuMe) in Sicily. The heist was completed in under five minutes. The stolen works include the 'San Gregorio Polyptych' (1473), a significant altarpiece. The museum, located in Messina, houses a collection of regional art. The theft is considered a major loss to Italy's cultural heritage. Authorities are investigating the incident, and the paintings are described as priceless. The quick execution suggests a well-planned operation. The museum's security measures are under scrutiny. The stolen artworks are of immense historical and artistic value, representing a key part of Antonello da Messina's oeuvre. The incident has raised concerns about the protection of art in regional museums. No suspects have been identified yet, and the search for the paintings is ongoing.