Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Safani Gallery Inc. v. The Italian Republic

FSIA Deprives Court of Jurisdiction Over Ownership of Marble 'Head of Alexander'

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

OPINION & ORDER Plaintiff Safani Gallery, Inc. (“Safani” or “Plaintiff”) brings this action against the Italian Republic (“Italy” or “Defendant”). Plaintiff alleges that Italy caused the non-party Manhattan District Attorney’s Office (“Manhattan DA” or “DA”) to take from Plaintiff, pursuant to law enforcement process, a historical artifact that Plaintiff alleges is rightfully its property. Plaintiff asserts claims for conversion, replevin, unjust enrichment, and declaratory judgment. Before me is Italy’s motion to dismiss the action for lack of subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976 (“FSIA”). Because I find that the FSIA does deprive the Court of subject matter jurisdiction, the motion to dismiss is GRANTED. I. Background1 Safani Gallery is a New York corporation in the business of acquiring and selling historical artifacts. (Am. Compl. 4.) Safani Gallery purchased a marble sculpture head that the parties refer to as the “Head of Alexander,” or the “Head,” in 2017, for around $152,625. (Id. 8). Plaintiff took various steps to “investigate[] the Head['s]…provenance,” (id.

11-18), and came to believe that the Head was neither stolen property nor otherwise subject to another’s claim of rightful ownership, (see id.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
New York Legal Awards 2024
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
African Legal Awards 2024
September 06, 2024
Johannesburg

The African Legal Awards recognise exceptional achievement within Africa s legal community during a period of rapid change.


Learn More
Consulting Best Firms to Work For 2024
September 12, 2024
New York, NY

Consulting Magazine identifies the best firms to work for in the consulting profession.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
(NEW) COMMERCIAL LITIGATION ASSOCIATE WANTED FOR ELITE LITIGATION BOUTIQUE FIRM (Atlanta, GA OR Miami, FL)

Our client, a boutique litigation firm established by former BigLaw partners, is seeking to hire a commercial litigation associate to join e...


Apply Now ›
Real Estate Attorney

COLE SCHOTZ P.C.Prominent mid Atlantic law firm with multiple regional office locations seeks a senior attorney with commercial real estate ...


Apply Now ›
Attorney

ATTORNEYS WANTED ROCKLAND/BERGEN COUNTYKantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. Expanding and established multi-practice, mul...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs
Lawyers of Distinction
06/27/2024
The American Lawyer

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
SMGQ Law
06/21/2024
Daily Business Review

Full Page Announcement


View Announcement ›
Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari
06/14/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
Go to Professional Announcements