Stolen works by Antonello da Messina: the Cnr speaks of a "scientific footprint" for recognition

The works by Antonello da Messina stolen in recent days have a sort of scientific imprint that would allow their authenticity to be recognized if they were found. The CNR reports this.

In 2018 - he informs in a note - the two works stolen from the Regional Museum of Messina were the subject of a complete diagnostic documentation campaign managed by the Institute for chemical-physical processes of the National Research Council of Messina (Cnr-Ipcf) and by the Stebicef Department of the University of Palermo. The campaign involved both works, together with many others, through the coordinated use of non-invasive and non-destructive methodologies, aimed at investigating their material characteristics and state of conservation: among these, direct digital radiography, the use of infrared light to analyze the various surface layers, UV and X fluorescence techniques, Raman spectroscopy and diagnostic imaging techniques. With the result of providing scientific documentation identifying the works. The combination of these techniques - it is underlined - can provide a sort of diagnostic imprint of the tables, of particular interest in the case of a discovery of the works, as it would allow them to be verified in the light of the acquired data set.

The four custodians who were on duty in the Accascina museum in Messina when the theft of Antonello Da Messina's works occurred on the evening of 15 August have been transferred to other cultural heritage sites. The four, two regional employees and two ASU, are on holiday for now but will not return to work at the museum. Disciplinary proceedings will be opened against them, which could lead to dismissal, as soon as the Department for Cultural Heritage of the Sicilian Region receives the report from the director of the museum, Marisa Mercurio.