When listing the arguments against the repatriation of the marbles, she missed the strongest one: repatriation is a Pandora’s Box and will have unforeseen and unpleasant consequences, due to the complexities of a murky past. The Euphronios Krater is now displayed permanently at the Archaeological Museum of Cerveteri, Italy.Sir, – There is a flaw in Finn McRedmond's argument on who history belongs to, as exemplified by the Elgin Marbles debate, and how Ireland is not immune from this issue ( Opinion, November 25th). It was shipped back to Rome in 2008, where it went on temporary display along with other recovered artifacts. After almost 30 years, in 2006 The Met finally relented and agreed to return the Krater to Italy. Euphronios pieces are extremely rare, as it is estimated that only 27 have been discovered, so to the Italians it seemed to pop-up out of nowhere. The Italian government began asking the Met almost immediately regarding the legality of the artifact. Hecht has long been suspected in illegal antiquities trade, and although some of his suppliers have been found guilty, Hecht was never convicted of any crimes. Hecht sold it to The Metropolitan Museum of Art for $1 Million in 1972, who purchased it even though the provenance of the piece could not be verified. After exchanging hands through various Italian dealers, it ended up in the hands of American art dealer Robert Hecht. It is estimated that the Krater was looted by grave robbers in 1971 near Cerveteri, Italy. It is also the only known complete surviving vase of Euphronios. The Euphronios Krater depicts scenes from the Trojan War. He was known for depicting both mythological as well we everyday life scenes in his pottery. He was an innovative artist who was active in the Red-Figure style of Greek Pottery. Euphronios is a celebrated Greek potter and artist who flourished circa 520 – 470 BCE.
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