Report: Artwork in Italy Covered Up to Avoid Offending Muslims

Paintings and statues depicting nudity were covered with veils at an exposition held in the palace of Savona to avoid offending visiting Muslims, according to the artist who created them.

The works of art had to be censored at the request of a visiting delegation from Italy’s Islamic Confederation because they were “too nude,” according to the report.

A statue of Epaminondas, a historic Theban general and statesman, was covered by a red drape, while a painting of a woman washing herself was also reportedly removed.

According to artist Mario Capelli, the works were veiled so as not to offend the visiting Muslim delegation.

“Let’s be clear, Epaminondas was covered by Muslims for their ceremonial requirements, I removed the picture at their request, the administration has no fault,” he told Italian newspaper Il Giornale.