Centre du droit de l'art
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr
Khmer Statue – Cambodia and Sotheby’s and the United States
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/khmer-statue-2013-cambodia-and-sotheby2019s-and-the-united-states
In March 2011, Sotheby’s offered at auction in New York a Khmer statue. The statue was pulled out of the sale as a result of Cambodia’s request for its restitution. Cambodia claimed that it was illegally removed from the site Koh Ker during the 1970s and should be returned to them. No publisherOwnership/propriétéCambodia/CambodgeJudicial claim/action en justiceRuspoli Di Poggia SuasaNegotiation/négociationUnited States/États-UnisSotheby'sArchaeological object/objet archéologiqueUnconditional restitution/restitution sans conditionCriminal offence/infraction pénaleSettlement agreement/accord transactionnelAd hoc facilitator/facilitateur ad hocPost 1970 restitution claims/demandes de restitution post 19702014/06/30 16:35:00 GMT+1PageTrois tableaux spoliés – Héritiers Oppenheimer, van Doorn, Soepkez et France
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/trois-tableaux-spolies-2013-heritiers-oppenheimer-van-doorn-soepkez-et-france
Le 11 mars 2014, Aurélie Filippetti, Ministre de la Culture et de la Communication du gouvernement français, a officiellement restitué aux ayants-droit des trois familles qui avaient été spoliées par les Nazis (Oppenheimer, van Doorn et Soepkez) trois tableaux qui avaient été classés « Musées Nationaux Récupération ».No publisherOwnership/propriétéArtwork/oeuvre d’artInstitutional facilitator/facilitateur institutionnelJakob and Rosa OppenheimerRichard SoepkezStatute of limitation/prescriptionUnconditional restitution/restitution sans conditionNazi looted art/spoliations naziesFranceBaron Cassel van Doorn2014/05/05 14:55:00 GMT+1Page30 Vigango – Denver Museum of Nature and Science et Kenya
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/30-vigango-2013-denver-museum-of-nature-and-science-et-kenya
Le 19 février 2014, le Denver Museum of Nature and Science a remis 30 vigango – statues de bois gravées à la mémoire des ancêtres des Mijikenda – au gouvernement kenyan.No publisherCriminal offence/infraction pénaleIndigenous object/objet autochtoneUnconstrained initiative/initiative spontanéeDonationUnconditional restitution/restitution sans conditionPost 1970 restitution claims/demandes de restitution post 1970KenyaDenver Museum of Nature and ScienceOwnership/propriété2014/04/17 09:05:00 GMT+1PageNature morte au tableau de Picasso – Héritiers Schlesinger et Phillips
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/nature-morte-au-tableau-de-picasso-2013-heritiers-schlesinger-et-phillips
En 1925, Ernst Schlesinger lègue à Johanna Meyer-Udewald l’usufruit d’une toile de Picasso (« Nature morte au tableau »). De confession juive, Johanna Meyer-Udewald est faite prisonnière par les Nazis et la toile passe par diverses mains avant d’arriver dans celles de Duncan C. Phillips, qui l’acquiert sans connaître son histoire.No publisherOwnership/propriétéLegacy/legsArtwork/oeuvre d’artDue diligenceMediation/médiationSale/venteErnst SchlesingerNazi looted art/spoliations naziesDuncan C. PhillipsSettlement agreement/accord transactionnelNegotiation/négociation2014/03/10 10:55:00 GMT+1PageBuste d’un jeune garçon – Héritiers Gentili di Giuseppe et Art Institute de Chicago
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/buste-d2019un-jeune-garcon-2013-heritiers-gentili-di-giuseppe-et-art-institute-de-chicago
En 1999, les héritiers de l’important collectionneur d’art de confession juive Federico Gentili di Giuseppe ont contacté l’Art Institute de Chicago afin d’obtenir la restitution d’un buste de Francesco Mochi (« Buste d’un jeune garçon »). Ce buste avait été vendu en France lors d’une vente par la suite annulée par les juges français car constitutive de spoliation.No publisherJudicial decision/décision judiciaireSettlement agreement/accord transactionnelArtwork/oeuvre d’artSymbolic gesture/geste symboliqueDue diligenceJudicial claim/action en justiceRepurchase/rachatDonationStatute of limitation/prescriptionNegotiation/négociationFederico Gentili di GiuseppeNazi looted art/spoliations naziesOwnership/propriétéArt Institute de Chicago2014/03/07 16:30:00 GMT+1PageCollection japonaise de Netsuke – Winkworth c. Christie’s
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/collection-japonaise-de-netsuke-2013winkworth-c-christie2019s
Une collection de Netsuke est dérobée en Angleterre, vendue à un collectionneur de bonne foi en Italie et finalement proposée aux enchères en Angleterre. William Winkworth, le propriétaire originaire, reconnaît les objets sur le catalogue de la maison de vente aux enchères Christie’s et agit en justice à Londres afin de voir reconnaître sa propriété sur les biens.No publisherRequest denied/rejet de la demandeJudicial decision/décision judiciaireCriminal offence/infraction pénaleOwnership/propriétéArtwork/oeuvre d’artItaly/ItalieJudicial claim/action en justicePost 1970 restitution claims/demandes de restitution post 1970William WinkworthChoice of law/droit applicableChristie’sRoyaume-Uni/United Kingdom2014/02/03 18:35:00 GMT+1Page14 Artworks – Malewicz Heirs and City of Amsterdam
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/14-paintings-2013-malewicz-heirs-and-city-of-amsterdam
In 2003, 14 artworks by the Russian artist Kazimir Malewicz were exported to the United States by the Stedelijk Museum of Amsterdam to be part of a temporary exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Menil Collection in Houston. Shortly before the end of the loans, the heirs of Malewicz brought an action against the City of Amsterdam seeking to recover the value of the artworks or, in the alternative, the artworks themselves.No publisherCity of AmsterdamNegotiation/négociationNetherlands/Pays-BasJudicial claim/action en justiceKazimir MalewiczSpoils of war/butins de guerreConditional restitution/restitution sous conditionArtwork/oeuvre d’artSettlement agreement/accord transactionnelAnti-seizure legislation/garantie de restitutionStedelijk MuseumState immunity/immunité des EtatsJudicial decision/décision judiciaireOwnership/propriétéUnited States/États-Unis2013/12/17 12:35:00 GMT+1PageElmali Hoard – Turkey and OKS Partners
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/elmali-hoard-2013-turkey-and-oks-partners
In 1999, OKS Partners, a consortium comprised of, among others, the American businessman William Koch, returned to Turkey nearly 1700 ancient coins. The coins were part of the Elmali Hoard, a precious and rare collection of ancient coins, also called the “Hoard of the Century,” that had been illegally excavated and smuggled out of Turkey in 1984. No publisherSettlement agreement/accord transactionnelUnconditional restitution/restitution sans conditionNegotiation/négociationArchaeological object/objet archéologiqueStatute of limitation/prescriptionOwnership/propriétéJudicial claim/action en justiceOKS PartnersPost 1970 restitution claims/demandes de restitution post 1970Illicit excavation/fouille illiciteTurkey/Turquie2013/10/18 10:55:00 GMT+1PageThree Grosz Paintings – Grosz Heirs v. Museum of Modern Art
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/three-grosz-paintings-2013-grosz-heirs-v-museum-of-modern-art
In April of 2009, after a decade-long search for artworks lost during Nazi persecution, George Grosz’s legal heirs brought action against the Museum of Modern Art, seeking declaration of title and replevin as to three of the artist’s paintings in the Museum’s possession, and requesting damages for their unlawful conversion. Holding that the action was time-barred by the statute of limitations, the District Court granted the museum’s motion to dismiss. The Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York affirmed the order on appeal, and the United States Supreme Court denied the Heirs’ writ of certiorari.No publisherJudicial decision/décision judiciaireGeorge GroszRequest denied/rejet de la demandeArtwork/oeuvre d’artJudicial claim/action en justiceProcedural issue/limites procéduralesNegotiation/négociationUnited States/États-UnisStatute of limitation/prescriptionNazi looted art/spoliations naziesOwnership/propriétéTort /acte illicite2013/08/30 08:50:00 GMT+1PageChagall Gouache – Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and Lubell
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/case-chagall-gouache-2013-solomon-r-guggenheim-foundation-and-lubell
In 1993, the Guggenheim Foundation, Mrs. Rachel Lubell, and other interested parties reached a settlement regarding a Marc Chagall painting that had been stolen from the Museum and purchased by Mrs. Lubell almost thirty years prior. Though a trial court had originally held the Guggenheim’s suit seeking recovery was time-barred, the Appellate Division reversed the lower court’s decision and clarified New York’s “demand and refusal” rule. On remand, the parties settled just one day after the new trial began.No publisherSettlement agreement/accord transactionnelRepurchase/rachatRachel and Jules LubellUnited States/États-UnisNegotiation/négociationThe Solomon R. Guggenheim FoundationStatute of limitation/prescriptionDue diligencePre 1970 restitution claims/demandes de restitution pre 1970Ownership/propriétéJudicial claim/action en justiceArtwork/oeuvre d’artFinancial compensation/indemnisationJudicial decision/décision judiciaireTort /acte illiciteProcedural issue/limites procédurales2013/08/27 15:25:00 GMT+1PageTwo Bronze Animal Heads – China and Pierre Bergé
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/two-bronze-animal-heads-2013-china-and-pierre-berge
In February of 2009, Christie’s offered at auction two 18th-century bronze fountainheads – a rabbit and a rat – owned by the estate of Yves Saint Laurent and his longtime-partner Pierre Bergé. Stolen from the Old Summer Palace by British and French forces during the Second Opium War in 1860, the two heads’ sale provoked controversial international debate, inspiring a Chinese national to bid upon the bronzes at auction and refuse payment. In June of 2013, François-Henri Pinault, owner of Christie’s, returned to China the fountainheads in an effort to strengthen diplomatic and trade relations between France and China.No publisherAntiquity/antiquitésAd hoc facilitator/facilitateur ad hocState responsibility/responsabilité internationale des EtatsPierre BergéSpoils of war/butins de guerreChina/ChineDiplomatic channel/voie diplomatiqueDonationFinancial compensation/indemnisationNegotiation/négociationUnconditional restitution/restitution sans conditionOwnership/propriété2013/08/09 10:50:00 GMT+1PageBanksy Mural – Bioresource, Inc. and 555 Nonprofit Studio/Gallery
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/banksy-mural-2013-bioresource-inc-and-555-nonprofit-studio-gallery
Artists from the 555 Nonprofit Studio/Gallery removed an endangered mural painting by the graffiti artist Banksy from a derelict site in Detroit. The owner of the site, Bioresource, Inc. subsequently filed suit with the Wayne County Circuit Court requesting the wall art’s restitution. The parties finally settled their dispute as the Company agreed to donate the mural to the Gallery, who paid the Company a symbolic amount.No publisherArtwork/oeuvre d’artDonationJudicial claim/action en justice555 Nonprofit Studio/GallerySettlement agreement/accord transactionnelSymbolic gesture/geste symboliqueBioresource, Inc.Ownership/propriétéNegotiation/négociation2013/08/08 14:30:00 GMT+1PageKennewick Man – Bonnichsen v. United States
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/kennewick-man-2013-bonnichsen-v-united-states
The skeleton of a 9,000 year old man was discovered on Federal territory near the city of Kennewick, Washington. Authorities decided to grant the request of five American Indian tribes, and transferred the remains to those tribes for burial. Several scientists, including Robson Bonnichsen, opposed the return and filed suit in the District Court of Oregon. Finding that evidence was not sufficient to link the remains to any present-day American Indian tribe, the District Court vacated the authority’s decision and ordered further examination of the remains. The Ninth Circuit affirmed the order on appeal.No publisherRequest denied/rejet de la demandeOwnership/propriétéPost 1970 restitution claims/demandes de restitution post 1970Judicial claim/action en justicePrivate person/personne privéeJudicial decision/décision judiciaireUnited States/États-UnisHuman remains/restes humains2013/07/29 13:35:00 GMT+1Page14 Archaeological Objects – Italy and Cleveland Museum of Art
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/14-antiquities-2013-italy-and-cleveland-museum-of-art
On 19 November 2008, the Italian Ministry for Cultural Assets and Activities and the Cleveland Museum of Art signed an agreement concerning 14 archaeological objects in the museum’s collection. This agreement provides for the return to Italy of the artworks in exchange for loans of “a similar number of works of equal aesthetic and historical significance”.No publisherOwnership/propriétéIllicit exportation/exportation illiciteSettlement agreement/accord transactionnelConditional restitution/restitution sous conditionCultural cooperation/coopération culturelleNegotiation/négociationDiplomatic channel/voie diplomatiqueArchaeological object/objet archéologiqueLoan/prêtDue diligenceIllicit excavation/fouille illiciteItaly/ItalieCleveland Museum of ArtProcedural issue/limites procéduralesPost 1970 restitution claims/demandes de restitution post 19702013/07/11 13:35:00 GMT+1PagePortrait of a Young Peasant – Beyeler v. Italy
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/portrait-of-a-young-peasant-2013-beyeler-v-italy
In its judgment of 5 January 2000, the European Court of Human Rights held that the Italian State violated Mr. Beyeler’s right to peaceful enjoyment of his possessions while using its pre-emption right over the Van Gogh painting “Portrait of a Young Peasant”. No publisherJudicial decision/décision judiciaireArtwork/oeuvre d’artItaly/ItalieExpropriationJudicial claim/action en justiceFinancial compensation/indemnisationOwnership/propriétéErnst Beyeler2013/06/13 14:05:00 GMT+1Page