Four Priceless Antonello da Messina Works Stolen from Sicilian Museum

Key facts

• Four works by Antonello da Messina were stolen from the MuMe regional museum in Messina on 15 August 2026.
• The stolen items are three panels from the Polyptych of San Gregorio (1473) and a double-sided tablet (1465–1470) depicting the Pietà and the Virgin and Child with a Franciscan.
• The theft occurred during Assumption Day celebrations and the Vara procession in Messina.
• Messina's mayor Federico Basile called the act 'profoundly reprehensible' and expressed grief.
• The Italian justice system opened an investigation and authorities appealed for the return of the works.
• Antonello da Messina is considered the greatest Sicilian painter of the 15th century, with only about forty known works.
• In March 2026, works by Cézanne, Renoir, and Matisse were stolen from Fondation Magnani-Rocca near Parma; they were found on 14 August at a suspect's home.
• The Italian State acquired a rare Ecce Homo by Antonello in New York in February 2026 for 13 million euros.
• The painter trained in Naples with Antonio Colantonio and was influenced by Flemish oil technique, Giovanni Bellini, and Piero della Francesca.