Antonello da Messina works stolen from Sicilian museum

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 and France 24. The theft occurred during Italy's Ferragosto national holiday on August 15, while the city held religious celebrations, the New York Times 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 noted the works were taken without alarms being triggered, raising suspicion of a professional operation.

Local officials expressed dismay and sadness at the theft, which was described as a wound to the historical memory and cultural identity of Messina, the Guardian reported. Italian authorities have launched an investigation, according to CBS News.