Thieves stole four artworks from the Museo Regionale di Messina, including the Polittico di San Gregorio, an altarpiece that was the only surviving work by the Renaissance painter in his hometown.
The theft occurred during a local celebration, catching the community off guard, as expressed by local councilor Enzo Caruso, who noted the incident felt like a 'blow to the heart.' The stolen pieces included five panels of the altarpiece and a small two-sided painting, which had been part of a collection acquired by the Sicilian region in 2003.
Caruso suggested that the recent $15 million purchase of an Antonello da Messina piece by the Italian state may have made the museum a target for criminals. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about art theft and security, especially in light of recent recoveries of stolen artworks in other parts of Italy