J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

The Getty Center, Los Angeles

The J. Paul Getty Museum has two locations, the Getty Center in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles, and the Getty Villa in Pacific Palicades. Like Mr. Getty himself, the museum and its curators have been the subject of much controversy over the years.

We spent some time in the museum, but I didn't take any pictures there. I did, however, take lots of pictures of the Central Garden at the Getty Center which is very well done and maintained.

Central Garden at the Getty Center, Los Angeles

The Getty Center in Brentwood has a massive collection of artwork ranging from the Middle Ages to the end of the Renaissance. Highlights include works by Monet, Manet, Rubens, Titian, and Rembrandt.

Central Garden at the Getty Center, Los Angeles

On the day we visited, there was also a temporary exhibit of Egyptian Art.

Central Garden at the Getty Center, Los Angeles

There is currently a temporary exhibit called Rembrandt and the Inspiration of India, which I highly recommend. The exhibit displays Rembrandt drawings inspired by pictures imported to Amsterdam from India. Some drawings show Rembrandt's work side by side with the piece that inspired him. Quite fascinating.

You may ask why the Getty Center is so controversial.

Central Garden at the Getty Center, Los Angeles

Years ago, my brother gave me a book titled "Chasing Aphrodite: The Hunt for Looted Antiquities in the World's Museums." It is a great read and highly recommended. 

Central Garden at the Getty Center, Los Angeles

Museums all over the world, not just the Getty, have been involved in deals that were/are slippery and outright illegal in order to gain objects for their collections.

A scheme in the 70s and 80s involved tax evasion as well as trafficking in fraudulent items.

Central Garden at the Getty Center, Los Angeles

But, the biggest controversy had to due with items acquired in the 90s. The curator of the Getty was indicted in Italy for trafficking in stolen antiquities. Greece is also investigating similar charges.

Central Garden at the Getty Center, Los Angeles

The now former-curator says she was made to take the fall for engaging in practices know the Getty's Board of Directors.

Central Garden at the Getty Center, Los Angeles

After years of blocking attempts by the Italian government to regain the stolen treasures, the Getty finally returned some of the stolen items. They also returned some items to Greece although both Italy and Greece claim there are other items that have yet to be returned.

If you'd like to keep up on the complex and interesting subject of stolen antiquities, the author of Chasing Aphrodite keeps an excellent blog on the subject.
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