The confiscation was ordered by the public prosecutor’s office in the central Italian city of Macerata, which is investigating the case, Italian media reported on Friday.
The painting had been kept in one of Sgarbi’s three apartments that were searched. The right-wing politician voluntarily handed over the painting, which will be subjected to an expert report in the next few days. The seizure of the painting as evidence is a necessary step following the opening of proceedings once morest Sgarbi, who is being investigated for money laundering in connection with cultural assets.
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According to prosecutors, the painting was stolen from a castle in the Piedmont region of northern Italy in 2013. It then resurfaced at an exhibition in Tuscany as the alleged property of Sgarbi. The painting is a canvas measuring 247 by 220 centimeters, which is now damaged. During the theft it was cut out of the frame with a cutter. In addition, a torch is said to have been painted onto the original.
Sgarbi: Found it in an abandoned castle
Sgarbi, a respected art critic, claims that they are two different paintings. He once found the picture that belonged to him in an abandoned castle.
The case is causing political controversy. The opposition is calling for Sgarbi’s resignation. Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano supported his State Secretary on Tuesday evening on the TV channel Rai. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has not yet commented on the case.
