An ancient vase, gifted over 70 years ago by the Greek government to an Italian prime minister, has been voluntarily returned to Greece by the former leader’s grandson.
According to ekathimerini.com, Greece’s Ministry of Culture commended Paolo Catti De Gasperi for his “courteous gesture” in returning the artifact. His grandfather, Alcide De Gasperi, served as Italy’s prime minister from 1945 to 1953.
The Greek ministry said the vase dates back to the mid-to-late 5th century BC and was originally presented to De Gasperi by Greek Prime Minister Alexandros Papagos during a 1953 state visit to Athens. The gift symbolised gratitude for De Gasperi’s significant role in ceding the Dodecanese islands to Greece, a territory Italy surrendered following World War II.
The large terracotta vase, known as a crater, is decorated with red figures on a black background. Craters were traditionally used by ancient Greeks to mix wine with water, as it was uncommon for them to drink wine undiluted.
Paolo Catti De Gasperi returned the artifact to Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni during a ceremony at the Greek embassy in Rome. The Greek government has been actively seeking the return of its cultural heritage from museums and private collections worldwide, with a particular focus on recovering the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum. However, Mendoni emphasized that this situation was unique.
“We are particularly grateful, because, while [Catti De Gasperi] held [the crater] completely legally, he felt the need and had the generosity to return it to Greece,” Mendoni said. “It’s a family heirloom that’s linked with the modern history of both Greece and Italy.”
Source:ekathimerni.com
