The Value of Cultural Heritage: Stolen in Plain Sight The recent theft of four Renaissance paintings from a museum in Sicily is a stark reminder that cultural heritage can be stolen not only by time and neglect, but also by human hands.
The "San Gregorio Polyptych" altarpiece, created by Antonello da Messina, is one of the most significant works to have been taken from the Regional Museum of Messina in recent memory.
The theft occurred on a Saturday evening while locals were celebrating a religious holiday, raising questions about the security measures in place at museums across Italy.