Dietrich von Bothmer, the curator emeritus of Greek and Roman Antiquities at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rhodes scholar and Bronze Star recipient for bravery in the South Pacific in World War II, died on Monday at Lenox Hill Hospital. He was 91 years old and had been in failing health for some time. Bothmer was responsible for some the most controversial acqusitions in the Museum’s recent history, including the famous Hot Pot aka the Sarpedon or Eupheronios krater, the Morgantina Silver and the Lydian hoard — all of which were later returned to the countries they’d been taken from. Though those tarnished finds will no doubt be highlighted in his obituaries, they were but one aspect of a fascinating career and full life. For more on Bothmer, his life and times, see Rogues’ Gallery and a brief online biography here. He is survived by his wife, the former Joyce Blaffer, widow of Marquis Jacques de la Begassiere and daughter of a founder of Humble Oil, and their children. UPDATE (October 14): Though the news of Bothmer’s death was revealed well before yesterday’s print-newspaper deadlines, the only obituaries for him in today’s papers are paid ones — a rather striking omission, granted that back in the days when the media actually covered the Metropolitan, rather than blindly promoting its interests, Bothmer often made front-page news. But that, as they say, was then… UPDATE2 (October 15): A New York Times obituary for Bothmer has finally appeared — online only, but at least it’s been published — here. Oddly, though it discusses the affair at some length, it doesn’t mention that it was the Abe Rosenthal-era New York Times that exposed the truth about the Euphronios krater. You’d think they’d be proud of that.