A long-lost Roman mosaic panel, featuring an erotic theme from the Roman era, has been returned to the archaeological park of Pompeii after being stolen by a Nazi German captain during World War II. The artwork, which depicts a pair of lovers in a state of undress, was repatriated through diplomatic channels and is considered a work of “extraordinary cultural interest.” Experts say it may have decorated the floor of a bedroom at the time.
The mosaic’s last owner had received it as a gift from a Wehrmacht captain during the war. Its heirs contacted Italian authorities to request its return, which was carried out in September 2023 after verification of its authenticity and provenance.
The return is seen as a significant step towards healing historical wounds and acknowledging the cultural heritage of Italy. “Today’s return is like healing an open wound,” said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. The mosaic provides valuable insights into life in ancient Rome and helps to reconstruct the story of that period before its destruction by the Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD.
The repatriation also marks a shift in mentality, as those who have stolen cultural artifacts begin to recognize their significance and the burden of possession. As Zuchtriegel noted, “the sense of possession becomes a heavy burden” when it comes to art that holds deep historical and cultural value.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/erotic-ancient-mosaic-returned-pompeii-rome