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Italy refuses Munich museum’s request to return ancient Roman statue bought by Hitler

by Ryan Lee
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Repatriation

Italy’s culture minister has declined the German State Antiquities Collection in Munich’s request to repatriate an ancient Roman statue, the Discobolus Palombara, which was once in the possession of Adolf Hitler due to its embodiment of his Aryan aesthetic. The refusal is rooted in the belief that this statue is a national treasure.

The Discobolus Palombara is a replica of a Greek bronze original from the 2nd century, and it was acquired by Hitler in 1938 under the influence of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, despite objections from Italy’s education minister and cultural authorities. This statue, originally discovered at a Roman villa in 1781, was eventually returned to Italy in 1948 as part of art looted by the Nazis.

The current dispute emerged when the director of the National Roman Museum in Italy requested the return of the statue’s 17th-century marble pedestal from the Antikensammlungen state antiquities collection in Germany. In response, the German museum counter-requested the return of the Discobolus Palombara, claiming that it had been transported to Italy illegally in 1948, as reported by the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

Italy’s culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, expressed skepticism regarding whether the German culture minister, Claudia Roth, was informed about the Bavarian request. Sangiuliano even humorously remarked, “I made a joke — they’ll have to step over my dead body,” during an interview with Italian Rai state TV on Saturday evening. He firmly characterized the German request as “inadmissible” and emphasized that the statue had been fraudulently acquired by the Nazis, considering it an integral part of Italy’s national heritage. Sangiuliano expressed hope for the return of the marble base while firmly defending Italy’s stance on the Discobolus Palombara.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Repatriation

Why is Italy refusing to return the Roman statue to Germany?

Italy is refusing to return the Roman statue, the Discobolus Palombara, to Germany due to its status as a national treasure and its historical connection to Hitler’s acquisition.

What is the history of the Discobolus Palombara?

The Discobolus Palombara is a 2nd-century Roman copy of a Greek original. Hitler purchased it in 1938 under Mussolini’s influence, and it was later returned to Italy in 1948 as part of art looted by the Nazis.

What sparked the dispute between Italy and Germany?

The dispute arose when the National Roman Museum in Italy requested the return of the statue’s marble base from Germany. In response, the German museum asked for the return of the entire statue, claiming it was illegally transported to Italy in 1948.

What is Italy’s cultural minister’s stance on the matter?

Italy’s culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, considers the German request “inadmissible” and believes the statue was fraudulently obtained by the Nazis, emphasizing its significance as part of Italy’s national heritage.

Is there hope for the return of the marble base?

Yes, Italy’s culture minister expressed hope for the return of the marble base while firmly defending Italy’s position on the Discobolus Palombara.

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