Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 136, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 June 1916 — STOLEN ART COMING TO U. S. [ARTICLE]

STOLEN ART COMING TO U. S.

Many Churches In Italy Robbed of Their Treasures During the War. Rome. —The recent robberies of valuable paintings from St. Peter’s basilica at Perugia and Etruscan gold jewelry from the museupi of Corneto, as well as thefts of minor works of art from small churches in Tuscany, are suspected to be due to the increased demand for Italian works of art abroad, and especially in America. In fact, despite the war, art dealers in Italy are doing a profitable business. Many American buyers for museums and collectors in the United States are now in Italy. An ancient statue has been sold for $160,000 in Rome, two figures by Donatello have retched $200,000 in Florence, and similar big deals in paintings and sculptures have been made In Venice and other cities. It is admitted that business transactions in works of art with American buyers have been aboveboard and ~legal, but it is believed that art dealers’ agents resort to robbery to satisfy their customers. Since mobilization the Italian churches and museums are not so well guarded as before. It is probable that the fine art department will suspend the granting of exportation permits during the remainder of the war.