[CPProt.net] Met, Getty ready to talk about disputed artifacts

[MSN CPPnet (Ton Cremers)]

Met, Getty ready to talk about disputed artifacts
Last Updated Fri, 02 Dec 2005 16:00:57 EST 
CBC Arts
Disputed artifacts displayed at two major U.S. museums could be returned to
Europe in 2006, as the high-profile ownership battles continue. 

The Italian culture ministry said Friday that it had held "cordial"
discussions in Rome last week with Philippe de Montebello, director of New
York's Metropolitan Museum. 

  
Marion True, former antiquities curator for the Getty Museum, faces a number
of charges, including involvement with stolen artifacts. (CP file photo)  
The two sides are working on an agreement that would see the possible return
of more than 20 objects Italy says were stolen or illegally removed from its
borders. The officials discussed late 2006 or early 2007 as possible dates
for the return.

In particular contention is a set of 15 silver pieces from third century BC
and a prized 2,500-year-old Greek vase known as the Euphronios krater.

In exchange, Italy would lend objects of equal value to the Met on a
rotating basis. Any deal would also require the approval of the museum's
board.

Last month, Italy saw the return of three disputed artworks from the J. Paul
Getty Museum in Los Angeles. The return came as former Getty antiquities
curator Marion True prepared to appear in a Rome court. She faces a number
of charges, including being involved with the looting of European artifacts.

Meanwhile, the man set to become director of the Getty in January has sent a
letter to Greek cultural officials to discuss further artworks in dispute.
Getty director-designate Michael Brand takes over as the museum's head next
month.

According to a statement from the Greek cultural ministry, the letter says
Brand plans discussions about four antiquities the Greeks believe were
illegally smuggled out of the country.

"There wasn't a positive response to our request that the artifacts, which
are at the museum illegally, be returned,'' the culture ministry said. "The
ministry will retract its case only when the Getty truly decides to return
the artifacts in their possession that belong to us.'' 

In November, the Greek government said it would take legal action to recover
the disputed pieces dating from fourth century BC: a gold funerary wreath, a
votive relief, an inscribed tombstone and a marble sculpture of a woman's
torso.

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