The Italian American Museum cordially invites you to attend
Looted: Rescuing Italy’s Stolen Treasures
A Book Presentation and Conversation
By Frances Vieta and Margaret Burke
Saturday, May 17th, 3:00 pm
151 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10013
About the book:
In 1973, Frances Vieta, an Italian American journalist living in Rome, is incensed to learn that New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art has purchased a priceless Greek vase, the Euphronios krater, for $1 million. Ms. Vieta suspects the antiquity was illegally looted from Italy and smuggled out of the country. She sets out to investigate the acquisition, teaming up with Rodolfo Siviero, an Italian minister and art recovery expert, and the Carabinieri Art Squad, a special unit of the Italian army dedicated to protecting cultural heritage.
Ms. Vieta’s investigation uncovers a vast network of tomb robbers, smugglers, and unscrupulous dealers who have been plundering Italy’s archaeological sites for decades, fueled by the demand from wealthy collectors and prestigious museums.
Her pursuit of justice takes her on a journey through the dark underworld of the international art market. As an undercover agent, she encounters shady characters, corrupt officials, and powerful collectors. Along the way, she learns about the history of art theft in Italy – primarily the devastating impact of World War II, the techniques used by looters and forgers, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in recovering stolen artifacts from a thriving black market. Ms. Vieta’s determination to expose the truth and return the Euphronios krater to its rightful home becomes a lifelong mission, spanning over 35 years and involving countless investigations and legal battles.
Saturday, May 17th, 3:00 pm
$20 per person (includes admission to the Museum’s current exhibition)
Italian American Museum
151 Mulberry Street
New York, NY 10013
