During the WWII period and pre-WWII era, there was a wealth of art circulating within the Jewish community. The great collections of that time were mostly confiscated and only a small percentage was returned to their rightful owner. I haven’t been able to delve deep into this to find exact numbers, but I’d like to steer you towards an article that I came across earlier today that is an interesting read on the Wall Street Journal. You can find the link here. You’ll have to sign to read it though if you do not have a WSJ.com account.
There is also additional info here from CNN (It’s a video)
Nazi Art Found in Apartment in Munich
I don’t mind putting recent news up on this site, but I’m more interested in how Adolf grew up as opposed to what he did in the war. There are too many sites our there that have that kind of info on there, but not enough about his youth.
Feel free to comment and or submit any articles you found interesting. I don’t have the time to keep scouring the net for the type of info I am looking for as I do have a day job and other projects and personal life to contend with.
Here is another article of the return of Nazi related stolen goods during WWII
Nazi Stolen Art Returned to Poland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIvM22Uc2YI
Sometimes stolen painting and other items are hidden in plane site. they could be passed down, sold, given away at some point in the past 70+ years. It becomes more difficult to determine provenance after so many decade. Heck, it’s almost a century. Good thing we have trusty databases and lists of previously owned items. This particular painting in Germany was in a museum for ages before it was pointed out that the artist, Francesco Guardi regarding the “Palace Stairs” painting, was in the university (Heidelberg) and even ended off at the state gallery in Baden-Wurttenberg for decades.
The question arises, is it right to give items back? In the storied history of the human race, you don’t get things back that were pillaged in war. At least for the most part. One could circumvent it by attributing parameters and law, however, you will be the only one that will follow it to the tee. No other country would abide by it. Sure, you could flex your country’s political muscle, but how long is that going to last.
I know there will be people out there that think I am sticking up for the axis. No, I am bringing to light that it wasn’t JUST Jewish art, items of value, keepsakes etc that were stolen. Poland also houses hundreds of thousands of German historical artifacts dating back many centuries.
IS it right to give things back. That’s the bottom line. What’s right, may not necessarily be right!? Wow, that one just popped into my head. I just do not think there can be a clear cut debate regarding this as I know there would be major proponents on both side. Personally, If it is historically important/significant/sentimental (Heirloom), give it back. If it’s just monetary value, keep it. Just an FYI, I am also part of a family that lost everything during WWII, so it wouldn’t be wise to start flaming before you read and understand everything. Then we can embrace debate.