European Court Rules Getty Museum Must Return Ancient Statue to Italy

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles must return an ancient Greek bronze statue known as "Victorious Youth" to Italy. The life-sized statue, dating back to 300-100 B.C., was found by Italian fishermen in the Adriatic Sea in 1964 and has been a prized piece in the Getty collection since 1977.

Why this matters: This ruling sets a significant precedent for the repatriation of cultural artifacts, highlighting the importance of respecting countries' claims to their cultural heritage. It also underscores the need for museums and collectors to prioritize ethical and transparent acquisition practices, ensuring that cultural treasures are preserved and appreciated in theirrightful contexts.

Italy has long claimed that the statue was illegally exported after its discovery and has made numerous attempts to secure its return. In 2018, Italy's Court of Cassation, the country's highest court, ruled that the statue should be confiscated and brought back to Italy. The Getty appealed the decision to the ECHR, arguing that the statue was purchased in good faith and that its return would violate European property rights.

However, the ECHR rejected the Getty's arguments, stating that the museum had not conducted sufficient due diligence when acquiring the statue in 1977. The court found that "the Getty Trust, by purchasing the statue in the absence of any proof of its legitimate provenance and with full knowledge of the Italian authorities' claims over it, had disregarded the requirements of the law, at the very least negligently, or perhaps in bad faith." The court's ruling stated that the museum's acquisition of the statue was unlawful.

Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano praised the ruling, calling it "an unequivocal ruling" that recognized Italy's ownership of the statue. He stated that Italy would continue its efforts to have the statue returned, saying, "We will continue our action with renewed determination to have her back in Italy soon."

The Getty, however, maintains its position that the statue's return would be unjustified. In a statement, the museum said, "We believe that Getty's nearly 50-year public possession of an artwork that was neither created by an Italian artist nor found within the Italian territory is appropriate, ethical and consistent with American and international law." The Getty has three months to appeal the decision to the ECHR's Grand Chamber.

The dispute over "Victorious Youth" is part of Italy's broader campaign to recover antiquities it believes were looted or illegally exported. In recent years, the country has successfully secured the return of numerous artifacts from museums and private collections worldwide. The ECHR's ruling in favor of Italy is a significant victory in this ongoing effort, setting a precedent for future restitution cases.

While the ECHR's decision is not binding in the United States, it puts increased pressure on the Getty to comply with Italy's demand. The museum now faces a choice between voluntarily returning the statue or risking further legal action and potential damage to its reputation. As Maurizio Fiorilli, an attorney for the Italian government, stated, "This is not just a victory for the Italian government. It's a victory for culture."

Key Takeaways

• The European Court of Human Rights ruled that the Getty Museum must return the "Victorious Youth" statue to Italy.
• The statue, dating back to 300-100 B.C., was found in the Adriatic Sea in 1964 and acquired by the Getty in 1977.
• The court found that the Getty did not conduct sufficient due diligence when acquiring the statue, making the acquisition unlawful.
• Italy has long claimed the statue was illegally exported and has made numerous attempts to secure its return.
• The ruling sets a precedent for the repatriation of cultural artifacts and highlights the importance of ethical acquisition practices.