Art: Sanctuary

Vatican officials made a sensational announcement last week—664 massive wooden crates, containing some of the world's greatest art works from all over Italy, now rest in Vatican vaults, comparatively safe from the war. This job of cultural salvage was the result of delicate negotiations between the Vatican and the Nazis, lasting from November 1943 to last June. Highlights among the thousands of rescued treasures:

¶ The lovely Greek Venus of Cyrene (see cut), a, marble carved in the style of Praxiteles by an unknown sculptor. The armless, headless Venus belongs to Rome's Terme Museum. ¶ Raphael's graceful Sposalizio (Marriage of the Virgin)...

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