Authorities to Seize a Roman Statue in Queens That They Say Was Stolen – another story from the Dark side of the art (antiquities) world. This Roman marble sculpture, which served as the lid for a 1,800 year old sarcophagus, was originally sold by Gianfranco Becchina (an Italian dealer who was convicted of trafficking in looted artifacts) in the 1980s.
Authorities were alerted to the piece when it was announced that Phoenix Ancient Art was planning to exhibit it at the Park Avenue Armory (it was being offered for sale on behalf of a private collector). Current value has been pegged at $4 million.
The $4 million marble sculpture