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The Getty Museum said today it will return 26 looted antiquities to Italy, but broke off negotiations over twenty other pieces that Italian officials had sought. Not going back, the Times reports, is the bronze statue of a young Greek athlete that is considered one of the Getty's most prized pieces. The Getty's limestone figure of the goddess Aphrodite (left) is apparently also not being returned [for now, but the Getty offered to continue studying its ownership.] Museum director Michael Brand wrote Italian Cultural Minister Francesco Rutelli that he was "deeply saddened" the two sides couldn't agree on a settlement. Italian officials did not speak today but have been unhappy about the Getty's tactics and are said to be contemplating a cultural embargo.
Photo: Getty Museum