The Getty Gets New Blood

Last month, the Getty, through Brand, broke off negotiations with Italy—or negotiations ceased, depending which account you believe—over the question of what artifacts will be returned and whether the list was acceptable to both sides. Do you plan to direct that those negotiations start again?

First I need to get up to speed. Michael is the point person on that, and should be. I need to see what productive role I can play in it. I think I’m another set of eyes and experience. I am very eager to resolve this in a way that is fair, and that allows us to go ahead. There are so many cooperative ventures that we and the Italians want to take. Getting there may not be easy. But I’m confident.

Do you expect to see the issues resolved quickly?

That’s probably being too optimistic. I don’t see it going on forever. I don’t think that’s in anyone’s best interests.

Will the Getty continue to support Marian True’s defense?

I would certainly think so.