A Crucifixion by Pieter Brueghel the Younger was stolen Wednesday morning from a church near la Spezia in Liguria, local sources said.
The work disappeared from the church of Santa Maria Maddalena at Castelnovo Magra. The thieves appeared to have been working on commission, police said.
They broke through the case enclosing the work using a hammer and made of it with in a car.
The work is considered a masterpiece of Flemish art.
Carabinieri are investigating.
"It is a work of inestimable value, a hard blow for our community," said Mayor Daniele Montebello.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
