Italy denies German museum’s request for ‘Aryan’ statue purchased by Hitler
OAN’s Elizabeth Volberding
1:35 PM – Monday, December 4, 2023
Italy’s culture minister has rejected a request from the German State Antiquities Collection in Munich, Germany, for an ancient Roman statue believed to represent Hitler’s Aryan ideology.
The culture minister of Italy, Gennaro Sangiuliano, firmly declined the request, stating that the statue is a “national treasure.”
The statue, known as the “Discobolus Palombara,” is a Roman replica from the second century, based on a lost Greek original.
In 1938, Hitler, the leader of the Nazi Party, acquired the statue from its private Italian owner under pressure from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, despite objections from the education minister and cultural authorities.
The Discobolus Palombara, which was unearthed at a Roman villa in 1781, was returned to Italy in 1948 as part of the artworks unlawfully acquired by the Nazis.
The dispute arose when the director of the National Roman Museum requested the return of the statue’s 17th-century marble base from the Staatliche Antikensammlungen state antiquities collection in Munich, Germany.
The Staatliche Antikensammlungen is a museum that houses collections of antiquities from Greece, Etruria, and Rome.
Instead, the German museum demanded the return of the Discobolus Palombara, claiming that it had been “illegally transported” to Italy in 1948, as reported by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
However, Sangiuliano expressed doubt that the German culture minister, Claudia Roth, was aware of the request.
“They’ll have to step over my dead body,” Sangiuliano told Italian Rai state TV on Saturday evening.
In his response, Sangiuliano denounced the German request for the statue’s return as “inadmissible.”
“This work was obtained fraudulently by the Nazis, and it’s part of our national heritage,” Sangiuliano added. He also expressed hope for the return of the base.
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What legal and ethical concerns are raised by the ownership and display of ancient artifacts tied to controversial figures or ideologies?
Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano expressed his firm rejection of a request from the German State Antiquities Collection in Munich for an ancient Roman statue believed to represent Hitler’s Aryan ideology. Sangiuliano stated that the statue, known as the “Discobolus Palombara,” is a “national treasure” of Italy.
The statue is a Roman replica from the second century, based on a lost Greek original. In 1938, Hitler acquired the statue from its private Italian owner under pressure from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, despite objections from the education minister and cultural authorities. However, the Discobolus Palombara was returned to Italy in 1948 as part of the artworks unlawfully acquired by the Nazis.
The current dispute arose when the director of the National Roman Museum requested the return of the statue’s 17th-century marble base from the Staatliche Antikensammlungen state antiquities collection in Munich, Germany. Instead, the German museum demanded the return of the Discobolus Palombara, claiming that it had been ”illegally transported” to Italy in 1948.
In response, Sangiuliano expressed doubt that German Culture Minister Claudia Roth was aware of the request. He boldly stated, “They’ll have to step over my dead body” in an interview with Italian Rai state TV. This rejection signifies the Italian government’s determination to preserve its cultural heritage and protect national treasures from being exploited for ideological purposes.
Italy has a long history and rich cultural heritage, which encompasses the art and sculptures of ancient civilizations. These artifacts provide invaluable insights into the past and hold significant cultural and historical importance. The refusal to hand over the Discobolus Palombara demonstrates Italy’s commitment to preserving and safeguarding its cultural artifacts from potential misuse or misinterpretation.
The importance of such antiquities extends beyond national borders. Museums and cultural institutions worldwide play a crucial role in studying and exhibiting ancient artworks, fostering cultural exchange and understanding. However, it is equally important to address any legal and ethical concerns related to the acquisition and ownership of these artifacts.
In this case, it appears that Italy’s stance is grounded in the historical context of the statue and its connections to Hitler and Mussolini. By refusing the request from the German State Antiquities Collection, Italy sends a powerful message that it will not permit the commodification and distortion of its cultural heritage.
Ultimately, this dispute highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the ownership and display of ancient artifacts. It also opens up discussions about the responsibilities of museums and cultural institutions in ensuring the ethical acquisition and display of artworks, especially when they have been historically tied to controversial figures or ideologies.
In the face of this disagreement, dialogue and collaboration between Italy and Germany could be pursued to address the concerns raised by both parties. This could involve diplomatic discussions, legal assessments, or collaborative research projects that aim to shed light on the historical context and significance of the Discobolus Palombara.
In the end, the protection and preservation of cultural heritage should be a priority for all nations. By upholding their obligations to safeguard such treasures, countries can contribute to a more respectful and inclusive understanding of history, ensuring these artifacts continue to inspire and educate future generations.
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