October 1, 2009 10:28 AM

"Spiritual America" Brooke Shields Naked Photo Removed From Tate: Child Porno or Art?

By
Sammy Rose Saltzman
Topics
Daily Blotter
(AP Photo)
Photo: Actress Brooke Shields, then age 12, played a child prostitute in the film "Pretty Baby," directed by Louis Malle.

NEW YORK (CBS) A nude photo of 10-year-old Brooke Shields has been removed from a Tate Modern exhibit in London after police looked into it as possible child pornography.

Richard Prince's picture of the actress, titled "Spiritual America," was part of a show called "Pop Life: Art In A Material World" at the modern art museum. In the image, Shields is shown from the knees up, oiled, naked and wearing makeup. Her eyes stare directly at the viewer.

After officers from the Obscene Publications Unit investigated the photo, a spokesman for Scotland Yard said, "The officers have specialist experience in this field and are keen to work with gallery management to ensure that they do not inadvertently break the law or cause any offence to their visitors," according to the United Kingdom Press Association.

.

Follow Crimesider

Scroll Left
Scroll Right More »
48 Hours New iPad app A perfect companion to TV's most popular true-crime series.
CBS News on Facebook
  • Building You a Better Morning

  • CBS This Morning

    "CBS This Morning," anchored by Charlie Rose, Gayle King and Erica Hill, airs weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m. ET and at the same time in other time zones.
    Learn more...