"Hot Pot" back in Italy

The Met's celebrated Euphronios Krater is now on display in Rome. It wasn't too many years ago that the return of such an object seemed unthinkable. The Guardian also notes:

Rutelli also gave details about a recent agreement with a private U.S. collector that signals Italy's intention to broaden its campaign.

The deal with New York philanthropist Shelby White calls for the return of 10 artifacts from her private collection, the Culture Ministry confirmed Friday. . .

Nine of the items already have been given to the Italian Consulate in New York and the 10th - another vase by Euphronius - was expected to be returned in two years, the ministry said.

More detail on the return of the krater in the NY Times; there's also a slide show of some of the other returned antiquities currently on display as part of the Nostoi. Capolavori ritrovati exhibition.

ADDENDUM: It should also be noted that the Met has done quite well for itself in this affair. The Italians are lending antiquities to fill the place left by the departure of the Euphronios Krater, and whereas the Italians still have Marion True on trial (even though a number of the charges were recently dropped), their respectful public treatment of the Metropolitan's leadership has been markedly different. This was strongly highlighted in the recent New Yorker article on Marion True, which I am long overdue in discussing here.

Posted by David on January 19, 2008 2:19 PM