US Returns Over 40 ‘Stolen’ Antiquities to Italy
In a symbolic step toward combating the illicit trade of stolen art, New York authorities returned a collection of 42 valuable antiquities, valued at nearly $3.5 million, to Italy on Tuesday. This significant repatriation of artefacts, some dating back over 2,500 years, aims to shake off the city’s long-standing reputation as a prominent hub for the illegal art trade.
During a ceremony held in New York, investigators formally handed over the assortment of exceptional pieces to Italian officials. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg issued a statement confirming the return of the artefacts, emphasizing the ongoing effort to rectify the damage caused by decades of organized antiquities smuggling networks in Italy.
Bragg noted that over 200 antiquities have been successfully repatriated to Italy since he assumed office in 2022, underscoring the city’s commitment to addressing this pervasive issue. Collaborative efforts between the United States and Italy have been pivotal in achieving this milestone.
Commander Vincenzo Molinese of the Italian government’s Carabinieri Art Squad celebrated the investigation’s resounding success, attributing it to the fruitful partnership between the two nations.
Among the notable pieces returned was a vase originating from the Apulia region in southern Italy, with origins tracing back to 335 BC. The vase was looted from a burial site and subsequently smuggled abroad by Giacomo Medici, a notorious trafficker of Italian antiquities. It was eventually seized from a private collection in New York last month after having passed through London.
The repatriation initiative spearheaded by New York prosecutors has been underway since 2017. Over the years, they have succeeded in returning a diverse array of stolen artefacts that were unlawfully taken from approximately 20 countries between the 1970s and 1990s. This commendable effort has encompassed works hailing from ancient Greece, the Roman and Byzantine empires, Iraq, China, India, and Southeast Asia.
As New York City actively addresses its historical role as a conduit for the illegal art trade, these repatriations signal a promising step toward rectifying past injustices and reaffirming a shared commitment to safeguarding the world’s cultural heritage.
