Prof. Vittorio Sgarbi
Creating a small, valuable picture folder of works of art which have disappeared without a trace and copying it 10,000-fold thus making it available to a wide public, is not only proof of high-mindedness but above all, is an intelligent deed. It is aimed at sensitizing the public for questions concerning the protection of our historical and artistic legacy. Each one of us should feel responsible for the historical patrimony which is not an abstract entity but a physical and idealistic treasure of mankind.
If it was possible to catch Mafia boss Bernardo Provenzano by publishing 'photofit' pictures and encouraging people to cooperate, there is no reason why a culturally advanced nation should not do the same to regain missing masterpieces. I would say the range of "Wanted.... presi per il verso guisto" should be expanded by producing more copies and distributing them in schools, universities and public spaces.
Art theft is certainly an Italian plague, but not exclusively so, as shown by the robbery of Munch's famous masterpieces ("The Scream", "Madonna") from the Munch museum in Oslo, Norway. Seemingly the economic value of works of art is not the only incentive for theft anymore, but a certain fanaticism plays a part. "The Scream" and "Madonna" are worthless on the market as they would be impossible to sell. The motive for the theft would have been the satisfaction in having succeeded in robbing them or the privilege of being the only person who can admire them, hidden from the rest of the world.
Who knows if some fanatic is on the top of the "Wanted" list for stealing Caravaggio's extraordinary masterpiece "Nativity with San Lorenzo and San Francesco" (1609), commissioned by the Compagnia dei Bardigli and located above the main altar of the Oratorio di San Lorenzo in Palermo until it was stolen in 1969? According to the testimony of "repentant" Mafioso Mannoia, the painting was robbed by his partners without a commission. The canvas was relatively easy to remove as at the time the Oratorio was almost completely abandoned. After unsuccessfully trying to sell it, it was rolled up (probably irreparably damaged), placed into a subterranean hideaway and forgotten.
Not only because I instinctively believe in mankind's intelligence do I still have hope for the "Nativity". Statements made by "repentant" Mafiosi cannot always be taken at face value as it is always profitable for them to talk. Their testimonies must always be examined and often turn out to be no more than hearsay. In the case of the "Nativity" no conclusive proof has been found to verify Mannoia's statement. Besides, there are some things that don't make sense if this theft was staged by the Mafia. Leonardo Sciascia remembers that in 1969 most of the politicians and other important people in Palermo didn't even know there was a painting by Caravaggio in the city - would the Mafia of the time have known?
In short, there is no reason to lose heart, all has not yet been said and done in the case of Caravaggio's "Nativity". If we do not find it in the next edition of "Wanted", that means it has returned to its place above the high altar in the Oratorio di San Lorenzo and that another assignment has been fulfilled.
