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Italy calls on Louvre to return seven archeological objects | Planet Attractions
     



Italy calls on Louvre to return seven archeological objects

The Italian state has called on France’s Louvre to return seven archeological treasures currently on display at the famous museum.






The Italian state has called on France’s Louvre to return seven archeological treasures currently on display at the famous museum.

The Louvre’s Galerie Campana reopened to the public in July following a renovation. However, an amphora on display along with several other artefacts which were purchased between 1982 and 1988 have links to Giacomo Medici and Gianfranco Becchina, who were convicted for fraud in 2005 over illicit antiquities trading. Italian officials are therefore claiming the museum illegally acquired the objects.

A still ongoing inquiry could lead to a historic agreement between France and Italy in the autumn, with negotiations ongoing.

“I consider that works of doubtful provenance are a stain on the collections of The Louvre,” said Louvre president Laurence des Cars. “We should acknowledge and examine that with rigor and lucidity.”

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Italy calls on Louvre to return seven archeological objects | Planet Attractions


Italy calls on Louvre to return seven archeological objects

The Italian state has called on France’s Louvre to return seven archeological treasures currently on display at the famous museum.






The Italian state has called on France’s Louvre to return seven archeological treasures currently on display at the famous museum.

The Louvre’s Galerie Campana reopened to the public in July following a renovation. However, an amphora on display along with several other artefacts which were purchased between 1982 and 1988 have links to Giacomo Medici and Gianfranco Becchina, who were convicted for fraud in 2005 over illicit antiquities trading. Italian officials are therefore claiming the museum illegally acquired the objects.

A still ongoing inquiry could lead to a historic agreement between France and Italy in the autumn, with negotiations ongoing.

“I consider that works of doubtful provenance are a stain on the collections of The Louvre,” said Louvre president Laurence des Cars. “We should acknowledge and examine that with rigor and lucidity.”

More from Le Monde


 



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