Aphrodite is Going Home

December 12, 2010

By Caroline Camp

Many women might go to LA of their own volition, but this one was illegally removed from her home by tomb raiders and smuggled into the city. The Getty Museum purchased her in 1987, without any documentation and despite Museum policies requiring all acquisitions of ancient artifacts to have proof of the circumstances under which they left the country.

In 2004, Getty Director Marion True and her associate Robert Hecht were indicted by the Italian government for conspiracy. This year, True’s trial was brought to an end upon expiry of the statute of limitations.

Today, Aphrodite will finally be returned to Italy. Read her story at the Daily Beast. Also returning to Italy is a treasure trove of Morgantina silver. Read about this at the New York Times.