An erotic Roman mosaic panel depicting a semi-nude couple, stolen from Pompeii by a German Nazi captain during World War II, was returned to the archaeological park in Pompeii after approximately 80 years. The mosaic was repatriated from Germany following diplomatic efforts coordinated by the Italian Consulate in Stuttgart, Reuters reported.
The mosaic, believed to date between the late 1st century BCE and the 1st century CE, was handed over to Italian authorities after the heirs of the last German owner contacted the Carabinieri unit in Rome dedicated to protecting cultural heritage. They sought to return the artwork to the Italian state, having realized its origin, Reuters said.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, described the return of the mosaic as "the healing of an open wound." "Every recovered artwork is a balm for the wound caused by theft: these artworks represent not only a value that can be expressed in material terms but also a historical value," he said, according to The Independent.
The intimate artwork features a male figure lounging on a bed or couch while a female figure stands in front of him, possibly giving him something or preparing to get under the covers. The mosaic is considered a work of "extraordinary cultural interest" and has a "special cultural value," with plans for public exhibition in a room dedicated to Pompeian domestic art, according to the Associated Press.
The mosaic was removed from the area around Pompeii, near Naples, during World War II by a German soldier responsible for military supply chains in Italy. It was later gifted to a German civilian, who kept it until his death. The heirs, upon discovering the mosaic among his belongings, contacted the Italian authorities to arrange its return.
Zuchtriegel emphasized the importance of the mosaic in understanding a cultural turning point in Roman art. "It is the moment when the theme of domestic love becomes an artistic subject," he said, according to CBS News. "While in the Hellenistic period, from the 4th to the 1st century BCE, the passion of mythological and heroic figures was celebrated, now we see a new theme, the routine of domestic love, so to speak bourgeois."
The mosaic allows for further reconstruction of the period before Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Researchers at the Pompeii archaeological park are working to determine the exact origin of the mosaic, though Zuchtriegel noted, "We do not know the exact provenance of the artifact and probably we will never know," according to The Independent.
The Carabinieri unit in Rome was responsible for the investigation into the mosaic panel, which confirmed its authenticity and provenance. This tracing was possible despite the lack of data regarding the original context of the mosaic's discovery. Collaboration with the Office for the Protection of Archaeological Goods of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii was instrumental in tracing the mosaic to near Mount Vesuvius, where it will be put on display alongside other items and archaeological remains.
The return of the mosaic also brings attention to the so-called "Curse of Pompeii," a popular superstition that supposedly haunts those who steal artifacts from the ancient city. "This superstition has been fueled over the years by several tourists returning stolen items, claiming they brought them bad luck and caused tragic events," Zuchtriegel mentioned, according to Arab News. He added, "We see that often in the many letters we receive from people who may have stolen just a stone, to bring home a piece of Pompeii."
Zuchtriegel expressed hope that the return of the mosaic signals an important change in mentality regarding looted artifacts. "The desire for ownership of stolen artifacts is a heavy burden," he said, as reported by ABC News Australia. "I often feel a change in awareness from those who voluntarily return artifacts."
The mosaic has been installed in the museum at the Pompeii archaeological park, where it will be suitably catalogued, protected, and made available for educational and research purposes. Visitors will be able to admire it in a room dedicated to Pompeian domestic art, allowing for a deeper understanding of the everyday life and artistic expressions of ancient Roman society.
Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was buried under volcanic ash after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The sudden burial preserved the city remarkably well, providing invaluable insights into Roman life. The site attracts millions of visitors each year, who come to explore its preserved shops, baths, and homes.
Written with the help of a news-analysis system.