Bonhams Returns Greek Antiquity

Attica Prefect Rena Dourou and Culture Minister Nikos Xydakis admire the ancient sculpture in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

A marble antiquity dating back to the 1st-2nd century AD was returned to Greece by British auction house Bonhams on June 4, following an official investigation.

Roman Era marble head of the Greek god Hermes.

The Roman Era marble head of the Greek god Hermes initially located at the propylaea of the Acropolis was removed illegally and smuggled out of the country in the ’80s.

The ancient sculpture has now been placed in the National Archaeological Museum.

Culture Minister Nikos Xydakis said the return of the art work was a “great success of Greek archaeologists” and added that though the said treasure had not be recorded in the registers of looted, missing or smuggled items, the Archaeological Department presented such compelling evidence that the British auction house was obliged to remove the item from an auction last October.

The Prefecture of Attica covered the cost for the return of the antiquity.

“This is the result of productive cooperation between two operators of the Greek state who took action instead of just making announcements. Culture cannot go down in the debt crisis our country is facing. Instead, it should pull it forth bringing back Greece’s dignity,” Attica Prefect Rena Dourou said.

Photo source: Greek Culture Ministry