What's the point of stealing a masterpiece by Antonello da Messina? Possible theories
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A stolen Antonello da Messina masterpiece is nearly impossible to sell — so why steal it? The theories range from trophy crime to ransom to a secret collector.
Rational Choice TheoryPrincipal-Agent ProblemBlack Market EconomicsCriminology of Art Theft
Theory Briefing
- Selling a stolen Antonello da Messina publicly is nearly impossible, making the motive behind the theft genuinely puzzling.
- One theory suggests organized crime took the work as a trophy or symbol of power, not for resale.
- A ransom theory proposes the thieves plan to extort money from insurers or institutions for the painting's return.
- The 'rogue collector' theory imagines a wealthy buyer who commissioned the theft to own the work in secret.