Manhattan DA Returns $600K in Looted Antiquities; Artissima and Contemporary Istanbul Announce Editions
Alvin Bragg, the District Attorney of Manhattan, revealed the repatriation of 59 antiquities, collectively valued at over $600,000, to Italy, Iraq, and Indonesia. Italy received 48 artifacts worth more than $300,000, which includes a terracotta vase from the Metropolitan Museum. Iraq was given nine antiquities, nearly valued at $300,000, featuring two Sumerian sculptures. Additionally, Indonesia received two sacred Dayak skulls. The Antiquities Trafficking Unit of the D.A. has retrieved almost 6,400 items, with a total worth exceeding $490 million. Artissima will take place in Turin from October 30 to November 1, while Contemporary Istanbul is scheduled for September 23–27. Christie's reported $2.7 billion in sales, Sotheby's $2.3 billion, Phillips $260 million, and Heritage Auctions $1.4 billion. ICOM updated its ethics code, and Massimiliano Gioni will head the New Museum.
Key facts
- Manhattan DA returned 59 antiquities worth over $600,000 to Italy, Iraq, and Indonesia.
- Italy received 48 pieces, 45 seized from the Met, including a Troilos Painter vase.
- Iraq received nine antiquities including Sumerian worshipper sculptures.
- Indonesia received two Dayak skulls from Borneo.
- DA's unit has recovered nearly 6,400 objects valued over $490 million.
- Artissima 33rd edition: Oct 30–Nov 1, Turin, over 180 galleries.
- Contemporary Istanbul 21st edition: Sep 23–27, 70 galleries.
- Christie's fine-art sales $2.7B through June, up 78%.
- Sotheby's $2.3B, up 88%; Phillips $260M, up 36.4%.
- Heritage Auctions mid-year total $1.4B, up 47%.
- Art Renewal Center exhibition at Sotheby's NY July 17–27.
- Victoria Mouraux Durand-Ruel opening gallery in NY in September.
- George Condo rejoined Hauser & Wirth.
- Victoria Miro now represents Clare Wood.
- Alexander Tovborg joined Olney Gleason.
- Galerie Lelong now represents Magnus Plessen.
- ICOM revised code of ethics after 20+ years.
- Massimiliano Gioni to lead New Museum.
- David Odo to lead Honolulu Museum of Art.
- Christina Brungardt to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Lalique Museum theft of $4.5M jewelry on July 5.
- Serpentine Galleries named Formafantasma as R&D Fellows.
- Jean-Marc Bustamante launched Fonds Bustamante in Arles.
- Barbara Karant sued Mickalene Thomas for copyright infringement.
- Kelly Reemtsen sued David Salle for copying.
- Hauser & Wirth sanctions charge dismissed.
- Warhol Foundation grants over $5M to 78 institutions.
- Fundación Kahlo launched $50K prize for emerging Mexican artists.
- Valerie Brathwaite died aged 85.
- Chua Mia Tee died aged 94.
Entities
Artists
- Troilos Painter
- George Condo
- Clare Wood
- Alexander Tovborg
- Magnus Plessen
- Mickalene Thomas
- David Salle
- Kelly Reemtsen
- Valerie Brathwaite
- Chua Mia Tee
- Jean-Marc Bustamante
- Formafantasma
- Painter of Troilo
Institutions
- Manhattan District Attorney's Office
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Artissima
- Contemporary Istanbul
- Pearl Lam Projects
- Takato Kano Gallery
- Whitestone Gallery
- Christie's
- Sotheby's
- Phillips
- Heritage Auctions
- Art Renewal Center
- Mouraux Durand-Ruel Gallery
- Hauser & Wirth
- Sprüth Magers
- Victoria Miro
- Olney Gleason
- Galerie Lelong
- International Council of Museums (ICOM)
- New Museum
- Honolulu Museum of Art
- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
- Lalique Museum
- Serpentine Galleries
- Fonds Bustamante
- Warhol Foundation
- Jewish Museum
- Hammer Museum
- Anchorage Museum
- Fundación Kahlo
- Artnet News
- Artnews
- France24
- Artreview
- Straights Times
- Antiquities Trafficking Unit
- Comando Carabinieri per la Tutela del Patrimonio Culturale
Locations
- New York
- Italy
- Iraq
- Indonesia
- Turin
- Oval
- Tersane Istanbul
- Hong Kong
- Yokohama
- Tokyo
- Paris
- France
- London
- Arles
- Illinois
- California
- Borneo
- Manhattan
- Magna Grecia
Sources
- Artribune —
- Artnet News —