CLEVELAND — Italy called, the Cleveland Museum of Art said. It wants its 13th-century artwork back.
The art museum announced Thursday that it has agreed with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Italy to transfer a manuscript leaf with an illustration of the letter "A" that was once found in a centuries-old choral book back to its country of origin.
The artwork was excised from "Responsorial: Christ in Majesty with Saints," which the museum said was published sometime between the years 1280 and 1300. According to the CMA, the choral book originated from a church located near Siena, Italy. The work consists of tempera painting, ink and gold on parchment.
“We appreciate the care that the Cleveland Museum of Art has taken to preserve this manuscript over many years and their willingness to work with the ministry to determine the best outcome for all concerned," said Paolo D'Angeli, the head of the department for general administration of the Ministry of Culture. "The decision to do so reflects the many years of cooperation between the ministry and the museum."
The CMA said it decided to transfer the work back to Italy after doing its own research and receiving information from the Ministry of Culture.
“We are pleased with the outreach and open dialogue, and I look forward to future cultural cooperation with our colleagues in the Ministry of Culture,” said William M. Griswold, director of the Cleveland Museum of Art.