Italian Undersecretary of State investigated for possessing stolen painting

O Italy’s Undersecretary of State for Culture, Vittorio Sgarbi, is being investigated by the country’s Public Prosecutor’s Office for possession of a 17th century painting, which was stolen more than ten years ago in Turin. The politician, however, defends his innocence and says he is “absolutely calm”.

According to Reuters news agency, which cites the Carabinieri (Italian police), the politician, who is a well-known art critic and television personality, had in his possession a painting that disappeared from a castle near the northern city of Turin. of Italy, in 2013.

Prosecutors believe that the painting came into Sgarbi’s hands illicitly and have opened an investigation into alleged laundering of stolen goods, as the politician may have slightly changed the painting, adding a torch in the upper left corner to hide its criminal origin.

The work of art and a 3D copy were seized in a warehouse following a series of searches ordered by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Sgarbi has already denied the accusations and maintained that he found the painting in a house that his mother bought about 100 kilometers north of Rome. According to him, it is a work by Rutilio Manetti.

On the social network

“I am absolutely calm. The seizure was a fair act. I have nothing to fear. I will defend myself by all means against those who speculate on the matter and against those who are accomplices in it”, he said.

Painting by Rutilio Manetti/I spontaneously handed over the work so that all the necessary checks could be carried out, starting from the measurements of the painting compared to the frame of the stolen one. I am absolutely at peace. The seizure is a necessary act. I have nothing to fear. I will defend myself…

— Vittorio Sgarbi (@VittorioSgarbi) January 12, 2024

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