Four Antonello da Messina Artworks Stolen from Messina Museum
Four artworks attributed to Antonello da Messina, a Sicilian Renaissance painter, were stolen from a regional museum in Messina, Sicily.
Chicago, IL, August 16, 2026 —
Four valuable artworks attributed to the renowned Sicilian Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina have been stolen from a regional museum located in Messina, Sicily.
The theft involved pieces believed to be by the celebrated artist, known for his significant contributions to Italian Renaissance painting. The exact number of stolen items is four. The specific regional museum from which the artworks were taken is in Messina, Sicily.
Details regarding the timeline of the theft or the method used to remove the artworks from the museum have not been provided. The value of the stolen pieces and the full extent of the loss are also not yet publicly available.
Antonello da Messina, who lived from approximately 1430 to 1479, was a pivotal figure in the development of Renaissance art, particularly noted for his mastery of oil painting techniques and his synthesis of Flemish and Italian artistic traditions. His works are highly sought after by collectors and institutions worldwide.
Authorities have not released further information regarding any ongoing investigation or potential leads in connection with the theft. The contractor responsible for museum security was not identified.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on abc7chicago.com, see more information here.
