Future of Sixena medieval frescoes unclear
Aragon is calling, with a judicial order, for the return of 44 artworks by July 31, Catalan authorities argue law prevents their removal and demands more time
Aragon is calling, with a judicial order, for the return of 44 artworks by July 31, Catalan authorities argue law prevents their removal and demands more time
The Government of Aragon has launched a judicial war against the Catalan Government over art from the Monastery of Santa Maria of Sixena, Aragon. The paintings and pieces of art were bought by the Generalitat in the 90s and have been exhibited at the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) and the Museum of Lleida ever since. In 2013, the Aragonese Government expressed its determination to “defend the integrity of Aragon’s historic and cultural heritage” and reclaimed the pieces. Despite the Catalan Ministry for Culture having always defended the purchase and struggled to preserve these pieces on two fronts, the murals and the 97 pieces of art, on Tuesday the 53 works housed in MNAC will have to be returned to Aragon.