Four Renaissance Artworks Stolen in Sicilian Museum Heist on Italian Holiday The recent theft of four Renaissance artworks from the MuMe regional museum in Messina, Sicily, is the latest in a string of high profile art heists to plague Italy's cultural institutions.
The thefts seem to be occurring with increasing frequency and impunity, raising questions about the effectiveness of Italy's security measures.
The stolen works are attributed to Antonello da Messina, a Sicilian painter whose art is highly valued for its technical skill and emotional depth. Da Messina's "Ecce Homo" was stolen earlier this year for $14.