The infamous theft of the painting 'Nativity with St Francis and St Lawrence' earned it a place in one of the FBI's Top Ten Art Crimes. This glorious work by Caravaggio was stolen from the Oratory of San Lorenzo in Palermo, Sicily, in October 1969 by an unknown thief. Despite years of investigations, there have been no leads as to who might have stolen the painting or what may have happened. Read on to learn more about this magnificent painting and its mysterious disappearance.
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What's The Story Behind 'Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence'?
The painting 'Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence' by Caravaggio is a stunningly realistic portrayal of a scene from the Bible, depicting Jesus' birth in a stable in Bethlehem. This painting depicts Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus surrounded by figures, including St. Francis and St. Lawrence, is an exquisite example of Baroque art that immerses the viewer in its narrative details. The light from a window to the left illuminates the figures, casting an intense glow on their faces and bodies. The clothing worn by each person is carefully executed, demonstrating Caravaggio's attention to detail and artistic skill. The presence of St. Francis and St. Lawrence alludes to Jesus' divine nature, connecting his lowly birth to his future glory. Experts think Caravaggio painted it in Sicily in 1609, a year before he died.
Who Was Caravaggio?
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610) was born near Milan to a noble family. He was exposed to art at an early age and went on to become one of Italy's most famous painters. He developed an expressive style characterized by dramatic lighting effects and bold contrasts between light and dark tones (known as chiaroscuro), notable in 'Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence'. Throughout his career, Caravaggio worked extensively with religious themes such as biblical scenes, martyrdom stories, mythology, etc., creating some of his most renowned works, including 'The Calling of Saint Matthew', 'The Conversion of Saint Paul' (below), 'Salome with the Head of John the Baptist', 'The Supper at Emmaus' among many others which have gone on to influence generations of artists for centuries afterwards.
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How Was The Painting Stolen?
The theft of the painting 'Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence' is a mystery that still evades art experts and law enforcement alike. The painting was stolen from the Oratory of San Lorenzo in Palermo, Italy, in October 1969, and its current whereabouts remain unknown. Experts estimate the painting's worth at $20 million, though its resale value on the black market is much lower. Two men broke into the Oratory of San Lorenzo and cut the 2.4-meter-high painting from its frame. A length of carpet was also taken, leading police to suppose the painting was rolled up inside it when the thieves escaped.
Following the robbery, the trail went cold for decades. In 2005, a Mafia informant confessed to participating in the theft and stated that the painting was damaged after the robbery. Still, despite pleas from art-loving Sicilians, he refused to divulge its location (read more here). Italy's anti-Mafia commission picked up the case again in 2017 after receiving new information from a now-deceased Swiss art collector. This individual had urged the thieves to tear up the painting as it would be difficult to sell such a famous piece on international markets due to its recognizability. Investigators believe it has been passed among different members of the Sicilian Mafia over time, but its location and condition remain a mystery. Various theories have been suggested, though some are much more likely than others. Was it sold to a mysterious private art collector on the black market? Could it be in storage or damaged and destroyed after the theft? Some reports state that the painting was kept in an outbuilding and eaten by rodents; others claim the picture was positioned in a place of honour at Mafia gatherings or used as a floor mat by a Mafia boss.
In 2015, a replica of 'Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence' was commissioned and placed in the Oratory of San Lorenzo (below). It honours the original painting's beauty and continues to inspire viewers today.
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Interested in Learning More?
Read more about the 'Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence' theft via The Smithsonian, The Art Newspaper and learn about the painting on Caravaggio.org.
