Uffizi Galleries sue Jean Paul Gaultier over use of Botticelli images

Any use of Italy's publicly owned art to sell merchandise requires permission and payment of a fee

Italy's Uffizi Galleries are suing the French fashion house Jean Paul Gaultier for damages that could exceed 100,000 (88,000) after the company's allegedly unauthorised use of images of Botticelli's Renaissance masterpiece The Birth of Venus to adorn a range of clothing products, including T-shirts, leggings and bodices.

The matter came to light earlier this year after the Uffizi in Florence was notified of the garments being advertised by Jean Paul Gaultier on its website and social media.