Mafia Informer Asked to Reveal Hiding Place of Caravaggio
Barbara McMahon
Guardian Unlimited, UK
__________________
Rome (Italy):
Art lovers in Sicily are appealing to a mafia informer serving a life term in prison to reveal the hiding place of a stolen Caravaggio worth an estimated £20m. 
They believe Francesco Marino Mannoia knows the location of the Nativity with Saints Francis and Lawrence, which was cut from its frame in the San Lorenzo oratory, Palermo, in 1969. Mannoia, a heroin refiner whose mother, sister and aunt were murdered by the mafia after he turned state's evidence, has admitted taking part in the theft.
He has revealed that the painting was damaged but has never given any clues to its location.Palermo's artistic heritage societies, who have organised a new campaign for the Caravaggio's return, want Mannoia to help.
"We cannot offer him anything for this information but we are appealing to his conscience. It is something he could do for the good of Sicily," said Riccardo Agnello, head of the Palermo branch of the Italian Environment Fund.
The work was painted by Caravaggio in 1609, a year before he died. The Italian police, Interpol and the FBI have all tried to trace it and the painting has acquired mythical status.
Nov 28, 2005
Barbara McMahon
Guardian Unlimited, UK
__________________
Rome (Italy):
Art lovers in Sicily are appealing to a mafia informer serving a life term in prison to reveal the hiding place of a stolen Caravaggio worth an estimated £20m.
They believe Francesco Marino Mannoia knows the location of the Nativity with Saints Francis and Lawrence, which was cut from its frame in the San Lorenzo oratory, Palermo, in 1969. Mannoia, a heroin refiner whose mother, sister and aunt were murdered by the mafia after he turned state's evidence, has admitted taking part in the theft.
He has revealed that the painting was damaged but has never given any clues to its location.Palermo's artistic heritage societies, who have organised a new campaign for the Caravaggio's return, want Mannoia to help.
"We cannot offer him anything for this information but we are appealing to his conscience. It is something he could do for the good of Sicily," said Riccardo Agnello, head of the Palermo branch of the Italian Environment Fund.
The work was painted by Caravaggio in 1609, a year before he died. The Italian police, Interpol and the FBI have all tried to trace it and the painting has acquired mythical status.
Nov 28, 2005
