Art theft in Italy: Stolen and found

A major art theft occurred in the Sicilian city of Messina over the weekend, with unknown individuals breaking into the regional museum and stealing several valuable artworks attributed to Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina. The thieves bypassed alarm systems and took three panels from the famous Polyptych of Saint Gregory, along with a double-sided panel depicting the Virgin Mary and Christ, which was reportedly removed from a secured display case. Italian police have launched an investigation and are seeking information about the suspects' identities. The incident marks the second major art heist in Italy this year. Earlier this month, paintings by renowned artists Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, and Henri Matisse were stolen from the private Magnani-Rocca Foundation near Parma. These works included Fish by Renoir, Still Life with Cherries by Cézanne, and Oriental on the Terrace by Matisse, with an estimated total value of millions of euros. Two days before the Messina theft, authorities recovered these three pieces during searches, though they did not disclose details about the suspects or their current whereabouts. Italian media reported that nine suspects of Moldovan origin are under investigation. One of the stolen Cézanne paintings was later used in a disinformation campaign. Weeks after its disappearance, the artwork appeared in the background of a video message released from the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It was later revealed that the video had been fabricated and distributed through a network linked to the Russian government. In a separate development, German historian Wolfram Weimer criticized far-right and left-wing political groups for creating distorted positive images of East Germany. His comments come amid growing concerns about the rise of right-wing extremist parties such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD), whose potential success in upcoming state elections highlights the increasing strength of radical forces in the country. Weimer emphasized the need for unity and solidarity, particularly with local activists who work to strengthen civil society. The recent incidents involving stolen artworks have raised alarms within the global art community. In Florence, hackers attacked the IT system of the Uffizi Gallery, prompting the removal of key artworks for safety. Meanwhile, in the Italian province of Parma, a break-in at the historical villa of the Magnani family resulted in a multi-million euro loss, with three paintings now missing from the world's most renowned museums. The Louvre Museum has also faced its share of crises recently, following a jewelry theft that contributed to broader institutional challenges. The director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, has stepped down, and her successor will be art historian Christophe Leribault. This series of high-profile security breaches underscores the vulnerability of cultural institutions worldwide and the ongoing threats posed by both cybercriminals and traditional thieves. The taz newspaper has launched a campaign titled "Everything Begins in the Center," aiming to support leftist, self-managed spaces across Germany and build a solidarity fund to protect and preserve them. The initiative reflects a broader call for civic engagement and accessible journalism in maintaining open societies. Individuals are being encouraged to participate and contribute to the effort.