Italian State Secretary for Culture Vittorio Sgarbi has announced his resignation in connection with matters surrounding works of art from his private collection. The 71-year-old announced his departure from the right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday.
The art historian studied is mainly suspected of having illegally acquired a painting from the 17th century. There are also allegations that he paid dearly for lectures when he was already in government.
Justice has been investigating the right-wing politician for several weeks for the theft of cultural goods. This concerns the painting ‘The Capture of Saint Peter’ by the Italian painter Rutilio Manetti (1571-1639), which was stolen from a castle in 2013 and subsequently resurfaced at an exhibition in Tuscany as alleged property of Sgarbi. An investigation is also underway into the illegal export of a painting by the French painter Valentin de Boulogne (1591-1632). In this case he would have tried to sell the photo abroad. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
