Culture - Berlin and Rome agree: Diskobolos statue remains in Italy
Germany and Italy have declared the dispute over a famous marble statue of an ancient discus thrower to be over. Following a meeting with the German ambassador Hans-Dieter Lucas, the Minister of Culture of the Italian right-wing government, Gennaro Sangiuliano, announced on Tuesday that the so-called Diskobolos Lancellotti would remain in the National Museum in Rome as the property of the Italian state. The German side confirmed that the German government would not assert any claims for its return.
The work is a 1.55-metre-high marble copy of a bronze statue by the ancient Greek arch-caster Myron, which was excavated in Rome in the 18th century and then belonged to the Lancellotti family. During a visit to the fascist partner country Italy, Hitler took a great liking to it. On the orders of dictator Benito Mussolini, it was sold to Nazi Germany in 1938 and then exhibited in the Glyptothek in Munich. After the war, it was returned to Italy in 1948 as "looted art". However, the pedestal is still in the Glyptothek.
The National Museum in Rome would now also like to have the plinth back. However, the director of the Glyptothek, Florian Knauß, replied to a corresponding request in a letter with the remark that it was not a gift from Mussolini to Hitler, but a legitimate purchase. Culture Minister Sangiuliano explained after the meeting with the ambassador: "I was informed that the Berlin government is not demanding restitution." It is still unclear what will happen to the pedestal.
Roman National Museum on background
Read also:
- Will he be convicted as Jutta's murderer after 37 years?
- He also wanted to kill his cousin
- With live stream! Gawkers film dying man
- Is Saarland threatened with economic collapse?
- Besides Italy, Germany has a rich history of museums housing various forms of art, such as the famous Glyptothek in Bavaria's capital, Munich.
- Gennaro Sangiuliano, the Italian Minister of Culture, admired the art scene in Germany during a visit to the country, including exhibits at Berlin's renowned museums.
- The Federal Government of Germany could consider investing in modernizing ancient art restoration techniques, such as conserving antique statues like the Diskobolos, found in countries like Italy and Germany.
- The Italian government plans to collaborate with German research institutions for further studies on the history and significance of iconic art pieces, like the Diskobolos, with connections to both countries.
- Renowned Italian artist Gennaro Sangiuliano is also known for his contemporary Cross artwork, which exemplifies the fusion of modern and ancient art aesthetics, drawing inspiration from both Rome and Bavaria.
Source: www.stern.de
