Thieves Steal Antonello da Messina Masterpieces from Sicilian Museum

In a sophisticated overnight heist, thieves breached the security systems of the Museo Regionale di Messina in Sicily and stole several masterpieces by Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina. The intruders bypassed alarms to enter the exhibition rooms, where they removed three of five panels from the renowned Polyptych of San Gregorio, as well as a double-sided panel depicting the Madonna and Christ, which was extracted from a secured display case. The theft was confirmed by the city administration of Messina and first reported by the Ansa news agency. Museum director Marisa Mercurio expressed shock, calling it a 'great loss for the museum, the city, the community, and the art world.' Police are investigating the precise method of the break-in and seeking clues to identify the culprits. Antonello da Messina (c. 1430–1479), born in Messina, is a pivotal figure of the Early Renaissance. Earlier this year, the Italian state purchased his famous painting 'Ecce Homo' for approximately 12 million euros, intervening just before a Sotheby's auction to secure the work for the nation.