US Museums Face Seizure of Egon Schiele Artworks Over Holocaust Theft Claims
Three artworks by Austrian expressionist Egon Schiele, believed to have been stolen during the Holocaust from Jewish art collector and entertainer Fritz Grünbaum, have been seized from museums in three different US states. The seizure was executed by New York law enforcement authorities on Wednesday, following warrants issued by the office of the Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg.
- Artworks owner: Fritz Grünbaum, a Jewish art collector and entertainer.
- Seized from: The Art Institute of Chicago, the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, and the Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College in Ohio.
- Artworks value: Ranging from $1m to $1.5m.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Artworks Details | “Russian War Prisoner”, “Portrait of a Man”, and “Girl With Black Hair” |
| Previous Owner | Fritz Grünbaum, died in Dachau concentration camp in 1941 |
| Current Litigation | Grünbaum’s heirs have filed civil claims for the return of the artworks |
The artworks were previously owned by Fritz Grünbaum, a well-known cabaret performer and songwriter in Vienna and Berlin before the rise of Adolf Hitler. Grünbaum, who openly challenged the Nazi authorities in his work, was arrested in 1938 and later died in the Dachau concentration camp in 1941. The seized artworks include “Russian War Prisoner”, “Portrait of a Man”, and “Girl With Black Hair”, valued between $1m and $1.5m.
Grünbaum’s heirs believe that he was forced to relinquish ownership of his artworks under duress. The ongoing civil litigation on behalf of his heirs seeks the return of these artworks, among others from the collection Grünbaum began assembling in the 1920s. The Manhattan prosecutors argue they have jurisdiction over the cases as the artworks were handled by Manhattan art dealers at some point.
| Egon Schiele Defined |
|---|
| Egon Schiele was a prominent Austrian painter and a major figure in the expressionist movement. His work is known for its intensity and raw sexuality. Schiele’s art often explored the human form and sexuality. Learn more about Egon Schiele on Wikipedia. |
The seizure of the artworks believed to be stolen during the Holocaust highlights the complex and painful history surrounding art looted during this period. It brings to the fore the ongoing efforts to restore such artworks to the rightful heirs, a process that is both legally intricate and emotionally charged. The case underscores the critical role of due diligence in art transactions and the moral imperative to address historical injustices.
Source: The Guardian