Art heist: Antonello da Messina works stolen in Italy

Thieves broke into the Museo Regionale di Messina in Sicily overnight, stealing several important artworks by Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina. The city confirmed the theft, which was first reported by the Ansa news agency. The stolen pieces include three panels from the famous Polyptych of San Gregorio and a double-sided panel featuring the Madonna and Child. The latter was removed from a secured display case.

Museum director Marisa Mercurio expressed shock, calling the theft a "great loss for the museum, the city, the community, and the art world." Authorities stated the thieves precisely bypassed alarm systems to enter the exhibition rooms. Police are investigating the incident to reconstruct the events and identify the perpetrators.

Antonello da Messina, born in Messina around 1430, is a key figure of the 15th-century art scene. Earlier this year, the Italian state purchased his painting "Ecce Homo" for approximately 12 million euros, preventing its auction.