Italian junior culture minister rejects accusations that he laundered stolen art
Vittorio Sgarbi, a renowned art critic and one of Italy’s junior culture ministers, has been placed under investigation for laundering stolen goods – after a 17th century painting that was reported stolen was found in his possession. The painting, Caravaggio-influenced Renaissance work “The Capture of Saint Peter” by Rutilio Manetti, was reported stolen in 2013 by the owner of a castle in Italy’s northern Piedmont region, where it had been on display. It resurfaced in a 2021 exhibition organised by Sgarbi – the painting was identical to the one reported stolen, except there was a candle added ...