Antiquities Smugglers

In days gone by, you could easily pick up an antiquity and take it to your mansion. The Schliemanns and the Hearsts of the world enjoyed them in a way most of us will not ever be able to do.

And while I admit that I'd really like an ancient bust of Sophocles or Antinous or a bronze statute of a charioteer, I am glad that there are people out there making sure that these treasured items are not stolen, selfishly kept or destroyed.

One place I have not visited, but long to do so is the Getty museum in Malibu, California. It is well-known for its collection of antiquities and its replica Roman villa.

However, it has just been confirmed that the former curator, Marion True, may be connected to ring of antiquities smugglers.

The Times of London reports that hundreds of antiquities were found sequestered in a private estate on the small Cycladean island of Schinoussa.

True is already on trial in Rome for conspiracy to traffic in antiquities and it turns out that one of the villas on the island is also owned by her. True resigned in 2005 after the Getty cited possible conflict of interest when she obtained the loan to purchase her villa on Schinoussa.

One wonders how long she has been at this and how much she has gained from it.

Rogue Classicism has an entry on the discovery; Art.Blogging.LA has more on True's indictment; and Cronaca has some general comment on True's trial

Tom
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PS See my previous posts on the Getty:
Getty Tickets
Getty Villa re-opening