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Antiquities: Working Toward a Just Resolution
Fresco Fragment: Landscapes, third quarter of 1st century B.C. Roman. Transferred from The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection to the Republic of Italy in 2009
Antiquities: Working Toward a Just Resolution
In the past few years there has been a great deal of discussion about antiquities and the desire of countries of origin—Italy and Greece chief among them—to reclaim certain works of art. The J. Paul Getty Museum adopted a new acquisitions policy to further our mutual goal of eliminating illicit trading in antiquities and protecting archaeological sites.
We are committed to continuing our cooperative work with Greece and Italy in the areas of exhibitions, publications, conservation, and research projects, while adhering to the highest ethical standards and in compliance with all applicable laws.
Below is a collection of press releases and public statements the Getty has issued on this important matter.
Italy
January 10, 2013: The J. Paul Getty Museum Announces the Return of a Head of Hades from about 400–300 B.C.
May 17, 2011: Remarks from David Bomford, Acting Director of the J. Paul Getty Museum, on the Occasion of the Opening of the Renovated Gallery at the Museo Archeologico in Aidone
March 28, 2011: Statement from Ron Hartwig, Vice President of Communications for the Getty, Regarding the Visit of the Governor of the Marche Region to Los Angeles
December 20, 2010: Bronze Statue of Apollo Saettante from Pompeii Unveiled at the Getty Villa after an Eighteen-Month Study and Conservation Project
October 27, 2010: The Agrigento Youth, a Masterpiece from the Museo Archeologico Regionale di Agrigento, Goes On View at the Getty Villa
June 2, 2010: Getty Museum Puts Monumental Red-Figure Krater On View
April 21, 2010: Statement about the Decision in Pesaro on the Getty Bronze
February 17, 2010: J. Paul Getty Museum and Sicilian Ministry of Culture and Identity Announce Major Long-Term Cultural Collaboration
February 11, 2010: Statement about the Ruling in Pesaro on the Getty Bronze
May 6, 2009: Extraordinary Bronze Statue Excavated from Pompeii Goes On View at the Getty Villa
April 7, 2009: The J. Paul Getty Museum Will Return a 1st Century Roman Fresco to Italy in May 2009
March 23, 2009: The J. Paul Getty Museum and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze Announce Long-Term Cultural Collaboration
September 3, 2008: Statement from Michael Brand Regarding Senator Rutelli Visit to the Getty Center
September 25, 2007: Italian Ministry of Culture and the J. Paul Getty Museum Sign Agreement in Rome
August 1, 2007: Italian Ministry of Culture and J. Paul Getty Trust Reach Agreement
May 10, 2007: International Experts Convene at the Getty Villa to Study Cult Statue of a Goddess
April 20, 2007: J. Paul Getty Museum Responds to the Imposition of a Cultural Embargo by Italy’s Ministry of Culture
March 8, 2007: J. Paul Getty Museum Announces Scientific Workshop: International Experts Will Join Study of Cult Statue of a Goddess
March 2, 2007: Statement from the J. Paul Getty Museum Regarding the Riace Bronzes
January 31, 2007: "Object Lesson," Wall Street Journal Op-Ed By Michael Brand, director of the J. Paul Getty Museum
December 20, 2006: J. Paul Getty Trust’s Statement in Response to Italy’s Minister of Culture Franceso Rutelli, Wednesday, December 20, 2006 in Rome
November 28, 2006: "Italy and the Getty Must Find Common Ground," Los Angeles Times Op-Ed by Michael Brand, director of the J. Paul Getty Museum
November 23, 2006: J. Paul Getty Museum Issues Statement Museum Director Reconfirms Decision to Return 26 Objects to Italy; Repeats Offer to Continue Discussions toward a Comprehensive Collaborative Agreement
November 21, 2006: J. Paul Getty Museum to Return 26 Objects to Italy
November 20, 2006: Response of the J. Paul Getty Trust to the Italian Government’s Claim to the Statue of a Victorious Youth, 77.AB.30
June 21, 2006: The J. Paul Getty Trust and the Italian Ministry of Culture Issue Joint Statement
January 31, 2006: J. Paul Getty Trust and Italian Ministry of Culture Issue Joint Statement
November 7, 2005: Statement Regarding Returned Objects Now Transferred from the Getty to Italian Government
October 3, 2005: Statement Regarding Returned Objects from the Getty
Greece
February 7, 2007: Ministry of Culture for the Hellenic Republic and J. Paul Getty Museum Sign Agreement Finalizing Return of Objects to Greece
December 11, 2006: Hellenic Republic Ministry of Culture and the J. Paul Getty Trust Issue Joint Statement
August 22, 2006: Hellenic Republic Ministry of Culture and the J. Paul Getty Trust Issue Joint Statement
July 10, 2006: Hellenic Republic Ministry of Culture and J. Paul Getty Trust Joint Statement
May 16, 2006: J. Paul Getty Trust and Hellenic Republic Ministry of Culture Issue Joint Statement
Other antiquities-related statements
May 20, 2008: J. Paul Getty Museum Announces New Curator for Antiquities
April 4, 2007: Statement by Dr. Michael Brand, Director, J. Paul Getty Museum
April 4, 2007: Francavilla Marittima Timeline
October 26, 2006: J. Paul Getty Museum Announces Revised Acquisitions Policy
See also: Workshop on the Cult Statue of a Goddess