Antonello da Messina theft wounds Sicily's cultural memory

Four of the most important surviving works by the 15th-century Renaissance master Antonello da Messina were stolen overnight from the Museo Regionale in the Sicilian port city of Messina, according to the Guardian. The theft occurred during the August 15 national holiday, as the city held a religious celebration of the Virgin Mary, the paper reported.

The thieves took three panels from the artist's Polittico di San Gregorio, depriving the city of part of the only surviving works by the painter still held in his hometown, France 24 reported. The BBC said the works were taken without alarms being triggered, raising suspicion of a professional operation.

Local officials expressed dismay and sadness at the loss, which they described as a wound to the historical memory and cultural identity of Messina, according to CBS News. The New York Times reported the works were taken as the city held its religious celebration.