Following the tour we had coffee and a brief discussion, during which the Governor suggested we begin a dialogue about a future relationship between the Getty and the Marche region, similar to relationships the Getty has developed with other regions in Italy. He suggested this might include the exchange of objects between the Marche Region and the Getty on a long-term loan basis.
We were clear at the start of our conversation that the Statue of a Victorious Youth, known as the Getty Bronze, was not a matter for discussion since legal issues regarding this object are ongoing in Italy.
We also explained that the relationships we have developed with Italian arts institutions for the loan of objects were developed in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Culture, as part of a long-range agreement with Italy.
The meeting was very friendly, and we had a good initial conversation. We were pleased that the Governor and his group were able to visit the Getty Villa.
We want to stress, however, that we continue to be completely confident of our ownership of the Getty Bronze, and we will vigorously defend our position.
We understand the next legal step in Italy involving the Getty Bronze will be a ruling from the Court at Pesaro, and if that ruling goes against the Getty we can appeal to the Court of Cassation.