Russia is seeking the immediate return of highly valuable art works currently on loan to Italy, as the repercussions from the invasion of Ukraine and international sanctions impact the world of culture. The Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg has demanded the return, by the end of this month, of the works loaned for exhibitions at the Palazzo Reale and the Gallerie d'Italia in Milan.
The exhibition Grand Tour: Dream of Italy from Venice to Pompeii, running at the Gallerie d'Italia until 27 March, was organised in collaboration with the Hermitage and contains several pieces from the Russian museum including Canova's Winged Cupid. Palazzo Reale is currently hosting an exhibition dedicated to the Venetian master which includes Young Woman with Feather Hat that the Hermitage now wants back.
