Is it right to return works of art to their countries of origin? Scholars and museum directors speak out

Is it always right to return works of art to their countries of origin? What are the implications of cultural decolonization?

In recent months, throughout Europe the debate on cultural decolonization has risen to the attention of many institutions, and museums in France, England, the Netherlands, Belgium and other countries have begun to question whether it is right to return art treasures stolen during colonial times to their countries of origin. Italy’s position is singular, since it was both a land of conquest and a conquering country. What aspects might the discussion in Italy take? Is our country ready to insert itself into the debate? Is it a priority for us to establish commissions to evaluate the provenance of the goods in our collections in the event of restitution? And how should we approach our works that are abroad as a result of spoliation?

We put these questions to scholars and museum directors: Alberta Dal Cortivo (Educational Services Manager of the MA - Museo Africano in Verona), Maria Camilla De Palma (Director of the Museum of World Cultures in Castello d’Albertis, Genoa), Filippo Maria Gambari (Director of the Museum of Civilizations, Rome), Anna Maria Montaldo (Director of MuDEC - Museum of Cultures, Milan), Beatrice Nicolini (Associate Professor of History and Institutions of Africa, University Cattolica del Sacro Cuore), Maria Stella Rognoni (Associate Professor of History and Institutions of Africa, University of Florence), Ilaria Sgarbozza (Art Historian Officer, Appia Antica Archaeological Park, Rome), Giuliana Tomasella (Professor of Museology and Art Criticism and Restoration, University of Padua), Gabriel Zuchtriegel (Director of Paestum Archaeological Park).

They all granted us articulate contributions and a deep reflection ensued, which you can read in the first issue of the printed quarterly Finestre sull’Arte. The magazine is on sale by subscription only, at the price of 29.90 euros for four issues, only by February 15: after that date the campaign will be closed and those who have not subscribed will lose the first issue. More information can be found on the page dedicated to the print magazine.

Pictured: African art at the Museum für Völkerkunde im Grassimuseum in Leipzig, Germany.

Is it right to return works of art to their countries of origin? Scholars and museum directors speak out

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