Representatives of the Los andzhelesskogo Getty Museum (USA) and the National Archaeological Museum in Florence (Italy) announced the conclusion of a long-term agreement on cultural cooperation

Ancient artifacts illegally removed from the field and finds in recent years in large numbers were found in major museum collections around the world, triggered a wave of scandals and mezhmuzeynyh proceedings. At the same soil deteriorated relations between the Los andzhelesskim Getty Museum (USA) and the National Archaeological Museum in Florence (Italy). The debate and discussion on this topic have been widely publicized. The situation is further complicated for the Getty and the fact that a former museum curator Marion True (Marion True) was charged with illegal sale of stolen antique pieces (the proceedings of her case continues in the court of Rome for four years). Italy even threatened the American Museum of «cultural embargo», because it would have been cut off from their Italian colleagues. But in the end, the Getty returned to Italy 39 objects, including sculptures, vases and urns. A few objects have been transferred to Greece.

Here is told in an interview to journalists Getty Museum Director Michael Brand (Michael Brand): «One of my goals in settling the issue with these items, which they (italyantsev. - Ed .) words included in their meetings, was to go beyond the conflict and return to the point where we are, as before, were colleagues ... to keep the controversy in the past, together with the most items, we can start all over again ».

Representatives of the Los andzhelesskogo Getty Museum (USA) and the National Archaeological Museum in Florence (Italy) announced the conclusion of a long-term agreement on cultural cooperation. The first event under the new partnership will take place at the Getty Villa in Malibu. Exhibition «Chimera of Arezzo» 16 July 2009 till February 8, 2010 will present a bronze Etruscan pieces. Plans for the Getty organization includes two additional exhibits. One will collect antique pieces of bronze (including Greek, Roman and Etruscan), and the second will be devoted entirely to Etruscan art.

One of the landmark works from the collections of the Getty, Aphrodite in marble and limestone, will remain on display at the Getty Villa until December 2010, and then also will be returned to Italy. According to the Italian representatives, this sculpture was stolen in Sicily, and has since then acquired by the Getty Museum.

So far, the Getty will not send any items from their collections in Italy. According to Brand, the Getty is now negotiating with the other Italian museums and in the future, the exchange is not likely to confine itself to some ancient works.

«Chimera of Arezzo» - the merits of large-scale sculpture with a lion head, fire-goat and the tail of a serpent - was created in about 400-375 years BC. e. It will be shown together with similar works from other museums, as well as works from its own collection of the Getty.

«This [Chimera] wonderful mythical creation, and one of the most beautiful bronze Etruscan ashlars - told Brand. - We know about the place where it was discovered, and its amazing history». He also added that the exhibition at the Getty Villa will help the American public to become acquainted with the Florentine museum, which often remain unnoticed in the shadow of the glory of the famous Uffizi Gallery.

material produced Catherine Onuchin

Sources: latimes.com , artinvestment.ru