Hi Bill,
First, on the serious note, there are a couple recent books on this subject
available through the AAM bookstore, which you should check out. There are
also a variety in the general history field, which I am sure you have found
in your searches. I have not had to deal with such an issue yet, so I do
not have any specific examples.
Per my personal opinion, I would think the primary pro would be
international goodwill and inter-institution relationships. The cons,
including deaccession procedures, requests for financial renumeration for
decades of care, potential legal issues, interpretive and care concerns,
and concerns for the ultimate disposition of the piece(s), could be legion.
Of course, refusing such a request/demand could produce negative feelings
and press, but why return something to an individual who is then going to
sell it into the market? That would and already has generated much the same
problem. I would think less critically of returning something to an
institution in the original country of origin that maintains proper care
and management procedures. Returning to an individual would be something I
would have deep reservations about.
On the lighter side, and since it is Friday, I would personally suggest you
use the phrase "art stolen by the Nazis" or perhaps "Nazi loot" in your
subject line. Although I am sure we all know what you meant, and your
explanation of what you were seeking was very good, I could not help but
giggle just a little at the thought of art stolen from the Nazis.
Good luck.
Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850
Bill Jeffers
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Stolen Nazi Art
04/07/2006 03:30
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Hello,
My name is Bill Jeffers and I am a graduate student researching stolen
Nazi art. Basically I see only two choices when it comes to this. They
are 1. Give the piece of art back to the rightful heirs or 2. Fight the
accusation. I was wondering if anyone out there had any experiences or
information that can help me weigh the pros and cons of each choice. I do
feel that if it can be proven that a piece of art and/or an object in a
collection was indeed acquired by the Nazis and therefore stolen, it should
be returned to the heir as soon as that fact can be established. Even if
the piece is the "crown jewel" of your collection. Keeping it regardless
will have serious consequenses down the road (public perception, declining
attendance, donations [both monetary and object], etc). Thank you for your
time in this matter.
Sincerely,
Bill Jeffers
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