SECRETS OF THE DEAD: The Caravaggio Heist

Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV + Thursday, Jan. 12 at 8 p.m. on KJPBS 2 / On demand now with KPBS Passport!

In 1984, a Maltese national treasure went missing from the cathedral of St. John in Valletta - a masterpiece by the legendary Italian master Caravaggio. Two years of investigations across Europe led to nothing, but a strong-willed priest never gave up.

1 of 7

Thieves discussing the Heist.

Courtesy of Engelbert Grech

2 of 7

Thieves enter the Cathedral of St. John. Valletta, Malta.

Courtesy of Engelbert Grech

3 of 7

Reenactment: Thieves cutting painting from frame. In 1984, a Maltese national treasure went missing from the cathedral of St. John in Valletta - a masterpiece by the legendary Italian master Caravaggio.

Courtesy of Kayleigh Grech

4 of 7

Reenactment: Thieve rolling the canvas after cutting it off frame. In 1984, a Maltese national treasure went missing from the cathedral of St. John in Valletta - a masterpiece by the legendary Italian master Caravaggio.

Courtesy of Kayleigh Grech

5 of 7

From left, Brigardier Maurice Calleja, Police Investigor Alfred Calleja, Minister Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and Fr. Marius Zerafa (Behind) at the Police Depot following the recovery of the painting. (undated photo)

Courtesy of Maurice Calleja

6 of 7

Sunday Times of Malta reporting the heist. Dated Dec. 30, 1984.

Courtesy of Malta National Library

7 of 7

Reenactment of arrest. Father Marius Zerafa, director of museums in Malta, risks his life to recover a Caravaggio masterpiece stolen from a cathedral in 1984.

Courtesy of Kayleigh Grech

Father Marius Zerafa, director of museums in Malta, managed to establish a channel of communication with the thieves and set off on a quest to recover the priceless painting. Despite not having the money to pay their ransom, he risked everything, putting his life on the line for the sake of a masterpiece.

Find out what happened on SECRETS OF THE DEAD "The Caravaggio Heist."

Watch On Your Schedule:

This film is on demand now with KPBS Passport, a benefit for members supporting KPBS at $60 or more yearly, using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.

Join The Conversation:

SECRETS OF THE DEAD is on Facebook + @SecretsPBS on Twitter #SecretsDeadPBS

Credits:

SECRETS OF THE DEAD is a production of The WNET Group. Stephanie Carter is executive producer. Stephen Segaller is executive in charge.