A deputy culture minister in Italy is under investigation, accused of laundering stolen goods, in particular a Baroque painting that had been reported stolen from a castle in Piedmont, Italy, a decade ago. The deputy minister, Vittorio Sgarbi, who is an art historian and critic, as well as a media personality, has said he is innocent. The tale of the investigation began in 2013, when, according to police documents, a painting was reported stolen from the castle, which had been a restaurant for a time. Eight years later, in 2021, Mr. Sgarbi featured a painting called “The Capture of St. Peter,” attributed to the 17-century artist Rutilio Manetti, from his own collection, in an exhibit that he curated in Lucca, Tuscany. Mr. Sgarbi, though under investigation, has not been charged with a crime.

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Persons: Vittorio Sgarbi, Sgarbi, Peter, ”, Rutilio Manetti Locations: Italy, Piedmont, Lucca, Tuscany, Macerata