For decades, Belgium failed to return the remains of hundreds of people taken by force from former colonies. A draft law could change that, but critics say it is not going far enough.
Tag: Arts and Antiquities Looting
Court Says Italy Is Rightful Owner of Bronze Held by Getty Museum
The European Court of Human Rights has found that Italy’s claims to a contested Greek statue are legitimate. But the museum says its continued possession is appropriate and lawful.
British Museum Sues Former Curator for Return of Stolen Items
The museum accuses Peter Higgs, a former keeper of Greek and Roman antiquities, of stealing or damaging at least 1,800 artifacts and selling many on eBay.
World War II Artifacts Found in a Massachusetts Home Are Returned to Japan
The cache of artifacts was discovered in the attic of a veteran’s home after he died. The items were turned over to the F.B.I., which arranged for their return eight decades after the war.
Italian Culture Official Investigated in Stolen Art Case
Prosecutors believe a painting the deputy culture minister, Vittorio Sgarbi, put on display in 2021 was in fact stolen in 2013. He says it’s a different copy.
Ukrainian ‘Artifacts’ Seized in Spain May Not Be Treasures, Experts Say
The Spanish police seized gold pieces believed to be Greco-Scythian artifacts, dating back centuries, and arrested the people selling them. But archaeologists are not so sure of their value.
“Children Wading” Painting Returns to Glasgow Decades After Theft
Thieves in Scotland made off with the painting “Children Wading” in 1989. The work was recently returned after showing up at an auction house in northern England.
Yemen Gets Ownership of Artifacts, but Met Will Still Display Them
Ownership of the artifacts is being restored to Yemen, but given the civil war there Yemeni officials have asked the museum to safeguard them for now through a custodial agreement.
Investigators Seize ‘Marcus Aurelius’ Statue From Cleveland Museum
The Manhattan district attorney’s office said the headless bronze, valued at $20 million, is a depiction of the Roman emperor and was looted from Turkey.
Scottish Museum Will Return Totem Pole to Nisga’a Nation in Canada
The 36-foot tall memorial pole has spent almost a century in a Scottish museum. Now it will be returned to the Nisga’a Nation in Canada.