Getty Museum in Malibu returns stolen Zeus statue to Italy

Stolen more than two decades ago fromItaly, ended up in the hands of fences, and then purchased in 1992 by an unsuspecting Getty Museum in Malibu, California, the first-century B.C.E. enthroned Zeus, which had illicitly left the Phlegrean coast and ended up in the United States, will return to Italy and be temporarily stored at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

The Getty Museum collaborated with Italian authorities, who conducted years-long investigations to arrive at the work’s identification. “The decision to return this find,” said Getty Museum Director Timothy Potts, “on the one hand continues our practice of working with the Ministry to resolve questions regarding the provenance and ownership of works in our collection in a manner that is responsive to any new information available, and on the other hand respects the good faith and cultural mission of both parties.” “The return of the enthroned Zeus,” Cultural Heritage Minister Dario Franceschini told the press instead, “returns to Italy an artifact that is an integral part of the national cultural heritage. The statue will be exhibited at first at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, to then be destined, once its exact provenance is determined, to the community from which it was illicitly taken.” Satisfaction from the public prosecutor at the Court of Naples, Nunzio Fragliasso: “We are happy to bring the enthroned Zeus back home and to be able to share it with Italian citizens and visitors who come from all over the world to learn about the history and culture of our country.”

The sculpture, which has already been handed over to Italian authorities, is 74 cm tall and was found in the sea in front of Bacoli, Campania: it is partly covered with marine incrustations (the parts where these are absent were those covered by sand). Given the workmanship of the object, it is conceivable that it was a votive statue that was part of the private chapel of a wealthy home, or intended to decorate it.

Getty Museum in Malibu returns stolen Zeus statue to Italy

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