ROME (AP) — Italy’s Culture Ministry banned art loans to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, following a long-running dispute with the U.S. museum over an ancient marble statue believed to have been looted from Italy almost a half-century ago.
The legal dispute began in March 2022, when an Italian court ruled that the museum, known as Mia, was irregularly in possession of the Stabiae Doriforo, a Roman-era copy of The Doryphoros of Polykleitos, an ancient Greek sculpture.
The ancient statue was believed to have been looted from Italy in the 1970s, according to prosecutors.
A spokesman for Italy’s Culture Ministry confirmed the ban on Wednesday, adding that Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano was “firmly convinced” of that decision. Last month, Sangiuliano had announced that the Italian government was working to bring the Doryphoros back to Italy from the United States.
Artist who covered sports car with an ornamental doily is shortlisted for £25,000 Turner Prize
How South Africa's former leader Zuma turned on his allies and became a surprise election foe
Nancy Pelosi memoir, 'The Art of Power,' will reflect on her career in public life
Trump factor loomed large as GOP leaders pushed through Ukraine aid
Juventus ordered to pay Ronaldo more than $10 million in salary dispute
NFL draft has potential to set a record for most players on offense selected in the first round
Hard right makes hay with European farmers' anger ahead of June elections
Protests at US campuses are pressing colleges to cut financial ties with Israel
Indonesia's Mount Ruang volcano eruptions trigger tsunami alert
Biden signs a $95 billion war aid measure with assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan
'Alarm bells go off when there's a 20