On a stormy night in Palermo in 1969, thieves entered the Oratory of San Lorenzo and sliced a priceless Caravaggio masterpiece from its frame. Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence hasn’t been seen since.In this episode of Art Happens: The Divine Mess of Art History, James follows the painting from Caravaggio’s turbulent life and revolutionary use of light and shadow into a decades-long mystery filled with Mafia informants, black-market collectors, contradictory confessions, and rumors of a masterpiece destroyed by rats and pigs.Was the missing Caravaggio hidden, sold, buried—or lost forever? Explore how a sacred painting became criminal currency, why its disappearance continues to haunt the art world, and what we truly lose when a masterpiece vanishes.Send us a Note! Let us know what you think!J-Squared Atelier, LLCfor the love of artDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Send us a textDon't miss the video podcast version on YouTube!!!Follow & Subscribe to Art HappensConnect with Us:J-Squared Aterlier (J2Atelier)🌐 Website: J2 Atelier📸 Instagram: @J2AtelierJames William Moore🌐 Website: James William Moore📸 Instagram: @the_jwmartistCatch Lattes & Art, our sister podcast—coffee-fueled conversations with artists about process, inspiration, and the beautiful mess behind the work.You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Amazon Music, and Buzzsprout

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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