Fabio Mauri's Aryan Mask Stolen from MAXXI L'Aquila Exhibition, Valued at €10,000
During the exhibition "Fabio Mauri. Gli anni dell'Aquila," curated by Maurizio Cattelan and Marta Papini, a 1995 Aryan Mask by Fabio Mauri was stolen from MAXXI L'Aquila between October 1 and October 4. The museum announced the theft on October 8, noting the mask's estimated value of approximately €10,000. The Carabinieri's Nucleo Tutela Patrimonio Culturale is currently investigating the incident and examining surveillance footage from Palazzo Ardinghelli. Out of five displayed masks, four are still present. This theft underscores Mauri's themes of racial superiority and totalitarianism. Despite this event, MAXXI L'Aquila continues to operate normally, with the exhibition scheduled to run until January 24, 2027, as part of the L'Aquila Capitale italiana della Cultura 2026 initiative. Investigations are ongoing.
Key facts
- A 1995 Aryan Mask by Fabio Mauri was stolen from MAXXI L'Aquila
- The theft occurred between October 1 and October 4, reported publicly on October 8
- The work's value is estimated at around €10,000
- The exhibition is curated by Maurizio Cattelan and Marta Papini
- The mask was displayed with four identical examples; four of five remain
- Carabinieri's Nucleo Tutela Patrimonio Culturale is investigating, reviewing surveillance footage from Palazzo Ardinghelli
- Mauri taught Estetica della sperimentazione at the Accademia di Belle Arti dell'Aquila from 1979 to 1999
- The exhibition runs until January 24, 2027, part of L'Aquila Capitale italiana della Cultura 2026
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- MAXXI L'Aquila
- Fabio Mauri Estate
- Nucleo Tutela Patrimonio Culturale
- Nucleo investigativo dei Carabinieri
- Accademia di Belle Arti dell'Aquila
- Comune dell'Aquila
- MAXXI
- L'Aquila Capitale italiana della Cultura 2026
Locations
- L'Aquila
- Italy
- Rome
- Palazzo Ardinghelli