Italian culture minister probed over stolen painting

Italian culture minister Vittorio Sgarbi is under investigation for alleged possession and exhibition of a stolen 17th Century painting.

Vittorio Sgarbi is accused of possessing and exhibiting a 17th Century painting.

Vittorio Sgarbi, a prominent art critic and member of Italy’s government, is currently facing allegations related to the inclusion of a stolen painting, “The Capture of Saint Peter,” in a 2021 exhibition. The artwork, created by Rutilio Manetti, a follower of the Baroque master Caravaggio, was reported stolen in 2013 from a castle in Piedmont, northern Italy, where it was originally displayed.

Sgarbi, known for his role as a TV personality and previous convictions for slander, is now under investigation for money laundering of stolen goods. Additionally, he is accused of altering the painting by adding a candle to the top corner, purportedly to obscure its true origin. Sgarbi contends that he discovered the authentic painting while restoring a villa purchased by his mother over two decades ago, insisting that the stolen piece in 2013 was a mere copy.

These allegations emerged through an inquiry conducted by the television program ‘Report’ on Rai, the Italian broadcaster. The owner of the castle, who reported the theft, mentioned that the canvas was cut from its frame in 2013. She also revealed that a friend of Sgarbi had visited the property earlier, expressing interest in purchasing the artwork. ‘Report’ further uncovered that another associate of the politician later sent a damaged painting of “The Capture of Saint Peter” to a restorer, featuring a hole with the same shape as the missing piece cut from the castle’s frame in 2013.

When Sgarbi exhibited the restored work in 2021, the painting now included the added element of a candle in the top corner. The investigation raises questions about the authenticity of the artwork and the circumstances surrounding its discovery and subsequent display.

The junior minister is currently facing additional allegations related to another endeavor: a painting attributed to the French artist Valentin de Boulogne, valued at €5 million (£4.3 million), which was confiscated by police in Montecarlo. Mr. Sgarbi is under investigation by a prosecutor for allegedly illegally exporting the painting. He contends that it is a replica and that he does not own it. Despite attempts to reach out to Mr. Sgarbi, the BBC has not received any response.

Opposition parties are demanding Mr. Sgarbi’s removal, with the Five Star Movement stating its intention to introduce a motion in parliament for his dismissal.

This marks the second embarrassment for the Italian government this year, following an investigation into a governing party MP who brought a handgun to a New Year’s Eve party, resulting in an accidental discharge and injury to a fellow guest. Emanuele Pozzolo denies firing the weapon but has been suspended by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

While Ms. Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party continues to perform well in opinion polls, and her right-wing coalition appears stable for the time being, the lead-up to the European elections in June will likely see all parties capitalizing on any vulnerabilities or opportunities. Public tensions with coalition partner Matteo Salvini have already surfaced.

This year could witness a further deterioration in Italian politics, and the prime minister will be hoping that scandals do not manifest in a third instance.

The Italian Culture Minister is now in the spotlight as investigations unfold regarding a stolen painting. This captivating turn of events has left many people in shock and curiosity. The painting in question holds great significance to Italian art, so it’s no wonder that this news has stirred up quite a bit of conversation. As the investigation progresses, it will be intriguing to see how this story unfolds and what impact it may have on the Italian art world. Let’s keep an eye on this developing story and see where it takes us! Stay tuned for more updates.