Where are the artworks collected by the Italian public broadcaster RAI over the years? Italian media reported on Friday that as many as 120 paintings, sculptures, lithographs and textiles have disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
Among these works are works by Giorgio de Chirico, Camille Corot, Amadeo Modigliani and Claude Monet.
Following a warning from the Public Broadcasting Corporation’s management, the Romanian Public Prosecutor’s Office and a branch of the carabinieri specializing in the protection of cultural heritage launched an investigation in March. According to the Italian press, several rai stations will be involved and various actions can be launched in the north and south of the country.
Replace with the copy
It came to light when a copy of Otton Rossai’s “Architettura” painting was discovered. The original was stolen and replaced in the 1970s, then sold by an employee. This employee was identified, but the crime has since become legally prohibited.
Nicola Senesi, Ray’s Artistic Heritage Director, rules out that these are accidental disappearances, even if some things are simply lost. “We are facing a series of disappearances that appear to be targeted,” he told La Repubblica newspaper.
painful
Rai’s art collections number 1,500 works with a total estimated value of €100 million, according to La Repubblica and Romanian newspaper Il Messaggero. The scandal is even more painful because the artworks were purchased with proceeds from viewing and radio licensing fees.
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