A mosaic depicting an erotic scene from the Roman era was returned to the archaeological park of Pompeii today after it was stolen by the Nazis during World War II.
The artwork was returned from Germany by the Italian consulate in Stuttgart, after it was returned by the heirs of its last owner, a deceased German citizen. The owner reportedly received the mosaic as a gift from a Wehrmacht captain who served in Italy during the war.
The mosaic, which dates from the period between the middle of the first century BC and the first century AD, is considered a work of exceptional cultural interest, experts note.
The heirs of the mosaic's last owner in Germany have contacted a carabinieri unit in Rome dedicated to protecting cultural heritage, seeking information on how to return the mosaic to the Italian state.
The authorities carried out the necessary checks to determine the origin and authenticity of the mosaic, and then worked on its repatriation. It was then handed over to the Pompeii Archaeological Park, where it will be properly catalogued, protected and made available for educational and research purposes.
"Today's return is like the healing of an open wound," said Gabriele Suhtrigel, director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park and co-author of an essay dedicated to the work, adding that the mosaic allows for the reconstruction of the period before Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
The park director also pointed out that the return of the stolen artwork by the heirs signals an important change in mentality, as "the feeling of owning the stolen artwork becomes a heavy burden."
"We often see this in the many letters we receive from people who have stolen even just a stone to bring home a piece of Pompeii," said Suhtrigel.
He also recalled the so-called "Pompeii Curse", which, according to popular superstition, afflicts anyone who steals anything in Pompeii.
A world-famous legend says that those who steal items from the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii will experience misfortune. This has prompted several tourists over the years to return stolen items, claiming that they brought them bad luck and caused tragic events.
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