Getty review finds 350 artifacts came from shady dealers
An internal review by the J. Paul Getty Trust has concluded the Los Angeles museum bought 350 ancient artifacts from dealers suspected or convicted of dealing in looted antiquities.
The internal review, performed last year and made public Sunday in a report in the Los Angeles Times, includes Greek, Roman and Etruscan artifacts.
The disclosure comes as the museum resumes talks with Italian authorities over 52 artifacts that Italy wants returned.
Talks resume Monday in Rome, but Italy's lead negotiator, Maurizio Fiorilli, said he has not been notified of the Getty's findings.
"They have not spoken about these," he said,according to the Times, adding that the Getty's failure to disclosewhat its review uncoveredraises questions about the organization's sincerity.
The 350 antiquities are valued at close to $100 million US and include some of the signature items in the Getty's collection.
Several are prominently displayed at the Getty Villa, recently reopened after a $275-million renovation as a museum dedicated to ancient art.
Dealers who handled artifacts 'discredited'
Among the pieces are a marble and limestone statue of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, a sculpture of Apollo which dominates a first-floor room and the bronze Victorious Youth, which is displayed in aroom of its own.
The Getty review does not say the items were purchased illegally, only that the dealers who handled them had been "discredited."
The Italians recently added an additional 15 items to the original list of vases, urns, statues and other objects they are claiming.
They are seeking an agreement like one struck earlier this year with the Metropolitan Museum in New York, in which the Met agreed tosend back21 artifacts that may have been obtained illegally in return for a long-term arrangement in which the Italians lend antiquities for display.
But the Getty, whose former curator Marion True is on trial in Rome on charges of buying antiquities illegally, has a less advantageous bargaining position than the Met. There are more Getty artifacts in dispute and the fact that Getty is paying True's defence costs has caused ill will.
On Friday, Italy's new culture minister, Francesco Rutelli, said that his government's position will be "friendly but tough."
The Getty declined comment, saying it had agreed with Italy to issue information only when both sides could agree to a joint statement.