Former culture undersecretary and noted art critic Vittorio Sgarbi faces a potential trial. It follows an investigation into a painting alleged to have been stolen, then altered to conceal its origins, as reported by il Fatto Quotidiano.
Prosecutors in Macerata completed their investigation into the artwork, “The Capture of Saint Peter” by 17th-century Sienese artist Rutilio Manetti. The painting was reported stolen from a castle in Buriasco in 2013, but reappeared nine years later, displayed as part of an exhibition in Lucca titled I pittori della luce, curated by Sgarbi. The artwork was exhibited as part of Sgarbi’s personal collection, with a minor addition: a torch, purportedly added to help disguise it as a different painting.
According to il Fatto Quotidiano, Sgarbi, 72, is now formally accused of money laundering, self-laundering, and art forgery, facing a possible sentence ranging from 4 to 12 years if convicted. The case first emerged following a journalistic investigation by the newspaper and the television programme Report, leading to a formal inquiry by the Macerata prosecutor’s office. Expert analysis commissioned by prosecutors concluded the painting in Sgarbi’s possession is indeed the stolen artwork. Investigators found that the version of the painting shown in the 2022 Lucca exhibition was identical to the one reported stolen, apart from the newly added torch detail in the upper left corner.
Forger says he added torch
As part of the inquiry, art forger Pasquale Frongia, admitted his role in altering the painting, stating: “The torch wasn’t in the original; it was him who asked me to add it.” Sgarbi himself, however, maintains the painting was found as is in the attic of his villa in Viterbo. Known for his fiery public persona and reputation as one of Italy’s top art historians, Sgarbi dismissed the allegations and expressed confidence in the judiciary process, stating: “I have full trust in the judges and I will prove my innocence.”
Sgarbi resigned in February
The painting remains under seizure by authorities, and the case has drawn widespread attention in both art and legal circles in Italy.
Sgarbi’s legal troubles follow his resignation in February from his role as undersecretary of culture, a decision prompted by Italy’s antitrust authority. The authority ruled that his lucrative private conferences and other activities were incompatible with his governmental position, leading Sgarbi to step down.
