Getty Museum to return disputed art works to Italy

ROME (Reuters) - The J. Paul Getty Museum, one of the world's richest art institutions, has agreed to return to Italy three archaeological treasures its curator is accused of having acquired knowing they were looted.

Italy's Culture Minister Rocco Buttiglione said he would be sending an official to Los Angeles to pick up the works. He wants the Getty to return the rest of a total of 42 disputed Italian art treasures it has in its collection.

"The works are returning without an admission of guilt on the part of the Getty, but also without us withdrawing our accusations," Buttiglione said in a comments to Corriere della Sera newspaper on Monday. His spokesman confirmed the remarks.

In a case closely watched by the international art world, Italian prosecutors charged the Getty's antiquities curator Marion True in July of criminal conspiracy to receive stolen goods and illegal receipt of archaeological artifacts.

The case involves 42 artworks that prosecutors believe were illegally excavated or stolen and later acquired by the Getty, including a prized ancient Greek statue of Aphrodite.

True denies the charges and the Getty has defended her.

"Without question, we will ask for the return of all pieces acquired on the black market. When the proof in certain, we will demand it: we are already imposing huge pressure. And not only on the Getty," Buttiglione said.

The three works the Getty has agreed to return are a large antique bowl signed by Asteas, a painter from the ancient southern Italian city of Paestum, a bronze Etruscan candelabra and an ancient Greek inscription.

True's trial, together with that of Paris-based art dealer Emanuel Robert Hecht, is due to continue in November having been adjourned after opening remarks in July in order to provide an English translation of the proceedings.