Two of the works by Antonello da Messina that were stolen on the evening of Saturday, August 15, around 9:50 p.m., from the MuMe—“Accascina” Regional Museum in Messina, have already been recovered. The works are panels depictingSt. Benedict andSt. Gregory, both part of the St. Gregory Polyptych. The two paintings were found outside the museum, leaning against the railing along Viale della Libertà, near what is believed to be the building’s main entrance.
The works were spotted by several passersby who, while walking past the museum, noticed the unusual presence of the two paintings leaning against the railing. This allowed them to raise the alarm and trigger an investigation into the theft.
One of the panels from the Polyptych of St. Gregory and the precious double-sided panel—depicting the Madonna and Child and a praying Franciscan on the front and the Pietà on the back—remain missing. The latter is believed to have been taken directly from inside a secure display case, making it even more difficult to reconstruct how the thieves managed to carry out the theft.
Investigators arrived at the scene, and the Forensic Police are now conducting an examination to collect any evidence that might help reconstruct the stages of the heist. The investigation is therefore continuing to clarify how the theft was organized, with a particular focus on recovering the two works that have not yet been found.
The discovery of the panels depicting Saint Benedict and Saint Gregory marks an important first breakthrough. This fortuitous recovery returns two masterpieces by Antonello da Messina to the cultural heritage, while attention remains focused on the fate of the works that are still missing.
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| Theft at the Regional Museum of Messina: Two Works by Antonello da Messina Have Already Been Recovered |
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