Over 200 Items Stolen From Hermitage
Russia's State Hermitage Museum, regarded as one of the world's premier museums, has reported the theft of over 200 art objects, some of which were never shown publicly or even photographed. To complicate matters, the financially strapped Hermitage has only about $750,000 per year to spend on security, and the only objects that are insured are those on display. None of the objects stolen were on display.
The treasures missing include Russian enamels, jewels, and medieval artifacts. The enamels are an acute loss to museum staff, as enamelling had been unknown in the west until recently, but fine enamels were being produced in Russia around the 14th century. The loss is estimated at between $5 and $6 million dollars. A definative figure is difficult to assess as the items were not insured.
The art treasures were discovered missing during a check on inventoried objects. However, due to funding and staff shortages, the items in storage are not regularly inventoried. Museum officials state that the thefts occured over many years and the Hermitage's director, Mikhail Piotrovsky, stated "I would describe this situation as a stab in the back of the entire museum community and the Hermitage in particular, as we try to protect our autonomy and independence."
The treasures missing include Russian enamels, jewels, and medieval artifacts. The enamels are an acute loss to museum staff, as enamelling had been unknown in the west until recently, but fine enamels were being produced in Russia around the 14th century. The loss is estimated at between $5 and $6 million dollars. A definative figure is difficult to assess as the items were not insured.
The art treasures were discovered missing during a check on inventoried objects. However, due to funding and staff shortages, the items in storage are not regularly inventoried. Museum officials state that the thefts occured over many years and the Hermitage's director, Mikhail Piotrovsky, stated "I would describe this situation as a stab in the back of the entire museum community and the Hermitage in particular, as we try to protect our autonomy and independence."