Mar 5 • 11:15 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany FAZ

TV series about art theft: Who mutilated the Caravaggio?

A new Arte series investigates the mystery behind the 1969 art theft of a Caravaggio painting in Palermo, potentially linked to the Cosa Nostra.

The title of the article refers to a new Arte series that delves into the enigma of a real art heist involving the mutilation of a Caravaggio painting in 1969. This event, which took place in Palermo, raises questions about whether organized crime, specifically the Cosa Nostra, was behind the act of cutting up the artwork. The documentary series aims to uncover the truth behind the theft and its implications within the art and cultural community.

In a contemporary context, the article also mentions the exhibition of 'Caravaggio Desmembrado,' a modern homage by the Spanish artist Javier Carpintero, displayed at the Oratorio di San Lorenzo in Palermo in 2023. This work pays tribute to Caravaggio’s original altarpiece 'Nativity with St. Lawrence and St. Francis' from 1609, which is celebrated for its dramatic contrasts of light and dark, characteristic of Caravaggio’s style. The homage highlights the impact of the original work and the loss felt by the art community following its theft and mutilation.

The documentary and the homage exhibit underscore the significance of Caravaggio's artworks and the ongoing intrigue surrounding their history—especially how connections to organized crime may have influenced the fate of the original piece. This tragic event remains a notable episode in the narrative of art theft and recovery, emphasizing both the vulnerability of valuable art and the cultural legacy left by masters like Caravaggio.

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