Italian culture minister probed over stolen painting

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Italian Junior Culture Minister Faces Allegations of Art Theft

Vittorio Sgarbi, an Italian junior culture minister and prominent art critic, is embroiled in controversy as he faces accusations of possessing and exhibiting a stolen 17th Century painting.

Stolen Masterpiece Unveiled in Exhibition

The accusations center on Sgarbi's inclusion of "The Capture of Saint Peter," a painting by Rutilio Manetti, in a 2021 exhibition. The artwork, reported stolen in 2013 from a castle in Piedmont, was alleged to have been laundered as part of this exhibition.

Altered Artwork and Denials

Further complicating the situation, Sgarbi is accused of altering the stolen painting by adding a candle to the top corner, purportedly to obscure its provenance. The politician vehemently denies any wrongdoing, asserting that he discovered the original painting while restoring a villa owned by his mother over two decades ago. Sgarbi contends that the stolen artwork was a copy.

Investigative Revelations on Italian TV

The allegations surfaced during an investigation by the Italian TV program 'Report' on Rai. The owner of the castle, from which the painting was stolen, revealed that the canvas was cut out of the frame in 2013. Suspicion arose when a friend of Sgarbi expressed interest in purchasing the artwork before its theft.

Additional Art Accusations Surface

In another twist, 'Report' discovered that a friend of Sgarbi later sent a damaged version of "The Capture of Saint Peter" to a restorer. The damaged painting had a hole matching the shape of the missing canvas piece from the stolen artwork. Sgarbi, facing scrutiny, exhibited the restored painting in 2021 with the addition of the controversial candle.

Wider Scandal: Accusations of Illegal Export of Valuable Artwork

The scandal deepens as Sgarbi is also under investigation for the illegal export of a painting attributed to the French artist Valentin de Boulogne, valued at €5 million. The junior minister claims it is a copy and denies ownership.

Political Fallout and Opposition Demands

Opposition parties are calling for Sgarbi's dismissal, with the Five Star Movement intending to present a motion in parliament for his removal. This adds to the challenges faced by the Italian government, which already weathered a scandal earlier in the year involving a governing party MP taking a handgun to a New Year's Eve party.

Potential Impact on Italian Politics

As Italy approaches the European elections in June, political parties may exploit any perceived weakness in the government. Public tension with coalition partners and the specter of political scandals pose challenges for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who hopes to avoid a third major scandal this year.