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U.S. Museums and the Illicit Antiquities Trade

Lezzi, Maisha Anita
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Abstract
A study of the case surrounding the Euphronios Krater, a sixth century BCE Greek vase, that spans more than thirty years provides a glimpse into the sometimes unethical and even illegal dealings conducted by museums, private collectors, and art dealers. The story follows the sudden appearance of this priceless artifact in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection in the early 1970’s. While many people were excited about the museum’s latest acquisition, others were highly suspicious of the vase’s origins. Subsequent investigations both by American news outlets and Italian authorities uncovered evidence that the museum’s story of how it came into possession of the artifact was far from the truth. What does the case of the Euphronios Krater say about the importance of museum transparency, provenance, and the current state of the illicit antiquities trade? This story and similar cases prompt a closer look into the links between museum acquisition practices and the illicit antiquities trade. By better understanding the importance of provenance and the damaging effects of looting, the need for museum transparency becomes more evident. To better protect cultural patrimony and mitigate the negative effects of the illicit antiquities trade, several laws, conventions, guidelines, and international agreements have been introduced over the years. However, as time has passed, it is becoming clear that much more still needs to be done to protect cultural objects, archeological sites, and human history on a global scale.
Description
Thesis (B.A. in Art History)--John Cabot University, Spring 2020.
Date
2020
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Research Projects
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Keywords
Archaeological thefts, Black market, Cultural property, Protection (International law), Antiquities, Collection and preservation
Citation
Lezzi, Maisha Anita. "U.S. Museums and the Illicit Antiquities Trade". BA Thesis, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy. 2020.
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