Hi Bill, hi Mark,

first I also thought that nowadays also Nazi art is stolen. Why not,
everything seems to possible in our world. But getting back to the
point: I would always propose that looted art by the Nazis should be
retourned to the official heirs of the former possessors. On the other
hand, all war robberies (maybe with the exemption of Nazi art) by the
allies should also returned to Germany. 

But I would also make the following two proposals:
- a very good 1:1 copy should be made at the museum as long as the
object is in the museum and this copy should be shown after the official
return with the specific remarks on the return. This also make a
positive impression on the visitors. In addition, this copy can be an
object of scientific research and be a part of expositions.
- for all specific museum costs in the years of the last 60 years (f.e.
restoration or insurance)the heirs have to pay the real price.

I agree with a member of the list that no museum has the right to tell
the heirs what to do with the returned objects. But the museum can make
proposals to the heirs - f.e. to return the piece only proforma (leaving
it at the old place in the museum) but keeping it as a longterm loan in
order to *forget* the mentioned cost bill.

By the way: Even if the returned object is the main object of the
collection, it is the silliest thing for a museum to try to buy the
returned objects back on the international art market and to announce
this in advance. 

Best regards

 
Dr. Christian Müller-Straten

Verlag Dr. Christian Müller-Straten / MUSEUMS AGENTUR
Kunzweg 23, 81243 München, T. 089-839 690 43, Fax -44
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