POMPEII, Italy — A Roman-era mosaic panel depicting an erotic scene was returned to Pompeii on Tuesday, more than 80 years after it was stolen by a Nazi officer during World War II.
The mosaic, set on travertine slabs and dating from the late Roman Republic to the early Imperial period, was repatriated from Germany thanks to efforts by the Italian Consulate in Stuttgart. It had been gifted to a German citizen by a Wehrmacht captain stationed in Italy and was recently returned by the heirs of its last owner.
Experts hail the mosaic as a work of "extraordinary cultural interest," representing a shift in Roman art toward intimate, domestic themes. “It marks a moment when love within the home becomes a subject of art,” said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park.
The heirs contacted Italy’s Carabinieri art unit, which confirmed the mosaic’s authenticity and coordinated its return in 2023. Despite limited information on its original excavation site, researchers traced it back to the Pompeii region near Mount Vesuvius.
Now catalogued and preserved, the piece will support education and research at the Pompeii Archaeological Park.
“This return is like healing a wound,” said Zuchtriegel.
“It also reflects a change in mindset — where possessing stolen artifacts becomes a burden, not a trophy.”
He also referenced the enduring legend of the "Pompeii curse" — a superstition claiming bad luck befalls those who steal artifacts. Many tourists have returned items over the years, citing misfortunes they believe were linked to the theft.
J.Larson
