Victorious Youth
- Bronze with Inlaid Copper
- Circa 300 - 100 B.C.E
- Artist Unknown, attributed to Lysippos
- Current Location: J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
- Ownership disputed by: Italy
The sculpture was found in 1964 off of Italy’s Adriatic Coast, when it was caught in the net of a fishing trawler. Estimated to be over 2,000 years old, it is theorized that the Bronze was being shipped by a Roman Transport that capsized. To date, a shipwreck attributed to the sculpture has not been found. The Getty acquired the Bronze in 1977 and after restoration put the sculpture on display in 1978.
The legality of the Bronze is tainted by previous known illegal purchases by The Getty. The Getty conceded and returned over 40 other works to Greece and Italy after it came to light that they had been obtained illegally. But the museum insists that its purchase of Victorious Youth was above board. They maintain that the statue was caught in International Waters and an original Italian owner cannot be traced or confirmed.
Italy has taken legal action against the Getty, but failed to prove their case in 2007. An Italian Court ruled that Italy could not prove valid and legal ownership. Italy has decided to file another claim, this time in a regional court, claiming the Bronze came on land and was hidden in Italy for roughly ten years before being sold.
As of early 2017, Victorious Youth is still owned by The J. Paul Getty Museum. There is no indication at this time that they are willing to negotiate with Italy or repatriate the Statue.
The legality of the Bronze is tainted by previous known illegal purchases by The Getty. The Getty conceded and returned over 40 other works to Greece and Italy after it came to light that they had been obtained illegally. But the museum insists that its purchase of Victorious Youth was above board. They maintain that the statue was caught in International Waters and an original Italian owner cannot be traced or confirmed.
Italy has taken legal action against the Getty, but failed to prove their case in 2007. An Italian Court ruled that Italy could not prove valid and legal ownership. Italy has decided to file another claim, this time in a regional court, claiming the Bronze came on land and was hidden in Italy for roughly ten years before being sold.
As of early 2017, Victorious Youth is still owned by The J. Paul Getty Museum. There is no indication at this time that they are willing to negotiate with Italy or repatriate the Statue.