Centre du droit de l'art
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr
Quedlinburg Treasures – Quedlinburg Church and Meador Heirs
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/quedlinburg-treasures-2013-quedlinburg-church-and-meador-heirs
After the withdrawal of US troops from the medieval town of Quedlinburg in Nazi Germany, the “Quedlinburg Treasures” were found to be missing. This theft was perpetrated by US soldier Joe T. Meador. After his death, the manuscripts passed on to his brother and sister who attempted to sell them. Some manuscripts were purchased by West German entities, whereas the Church of Quedlinburg purchased the rest of the treasures pursuant to a settlement agreement with the Meador Heirs.No publisherJudicial decision/décision judiciaireCriminal offence/infraction pénaleJoe T. MeadorArtwork/oeuvre d’artGermany/AllemagneConditional restitution/restitution sous conditionJudicial claim/action en justiceSpoils of war/butins de guerreStatute of limitation/prescriptionNegotiation/négociationUnited States/États-UnisOwnership/propriétéSettlement agreement/accord transactionnelQuedlinburg Church2016/05/18 10:40:00 GMT+1Page89 Moche Archaeological Objects – Peru v. Johnson
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/89-moche-artifacts-2013-peru-v-johnson
After the discovery of the Moche site of Sipán (Peru) in the mid-eighties, many archaeological objects were looted and smuggled out of the country. In 1987, a smuggler who had been involved in the exportation of these objects to the United States contacted United States Customs agents and led to the eventual seizure of 89 Moche artifacts from Benjamin Johnson, a private collector. The government of Peru sued to retrieve the artifacts from Johnson. Peru’s claim was unsuccessful and the 89 archaeological objects remained in Johnson’s possession.No publisherOwnership/propriétéBenjamin JohnsonDonationJudicial claim/action en justiceCriminal offence/infraction pénaleEnforcement of foreign law/applicabilité du droit public étrangerRequest denied/rejet de la demandeIllicit importation/importation illiciteJudicial decision/décision judiciairePost 1970 restitution claims/demandes de restitution post 1970Illicit exportation/exportation illiciteAntiquity/antiquitésIllicit excavation/fouille illiciteProcedural issue/limites procéduralesPeru/Pérou2016/08/03 16:35:00 GMT+1PageMadame Cézanne in the Conservatory – Konowaloff v. Metropolitan Museum of Art
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/madame-cezanne-in-the-conservatory-konowaloff-v-met
Ivan Morozov’s extensive art collection, which included the painting by Cézanne called Madame Cézanne in the Conservatory, was confiscated by the Bolsheviks and declared property of the state. Stephen Clark purchased Madame Cézanne in the Conservatory from the Second Museum of Western Art in 1933. Upon his death, he bequeathed the painting to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Pierre Konowaloff, Morozov’s heir, brought an action for restitution of the painting in the United States federal courts. His claim was unsuccessful and the Metropolitan Museum of Art retained the painting. No publisherJudicial decision/décision judiciaireIvan MorozovRequest denied/rejet de la demandeArtwork/oeuvre d’artExpropriationMetropolitan Museum of ArtAct of StateJudicial claim/action en justicePre 1970 restitution claims/demandes de restitution pre 1970Ownership/propriétéPierre Konowaloff2016/08/03 16:55:00 GMT+1PagePortrait of Greta Moll – Moll Heirs v. National Gallery of London
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/portrait-of-greta-moll-2013-moll-heirs-v-national-gallery-of-london
The “Portrait of Greta Moll” has been subject to a claim for return. The heirs of the painting’s subject argued the painting was stolen in the aftermath of the Second World War and claimed that the National Gallery of London did not purchase the work in good faith. The case has been heard in two courts of the United States.No publisherPost 1970 restitution claims/demandes de restitution post 1970National Gallery, LondonDeaccessionProcedural issue/limites procéduralesMargrete MollRequest denied/rejet de la demandeCriminal offence/infraction pénaleDue diligenceStatute of limitation/prescriptionOwnership/propriétéUnited Kingdom/Royaume-UniState immunity/immunité des EtatsJudicial claim/action en justiceJurisdiction/conflit de jurisdictionArtwork/oeuvre d’artConciliationNazi looted art/spoliations naziesJudicial decision/décision judiciaireThe American Friends of the National GalleryOskar Moll2019/08/12 14:20:00 GMT+1PageDie Grosse Seestrasse in Wannsee – X. v. Switzerland
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/die-grosse-seestrasse-in-wannsee-2013-x-v-switzerland
The painting “Die Grosse Seestrasse in Wannsee” was bought in 1948 by François de Diesbach. After de Diesbach’s death, the painting was forgotten within the Swiss embassy. When the Swiss embassy decided to donate the painting to the Liebermann Villa, a distant relative of de Diesbach seized a Swiss court and claimed ownership over the painting. The High Court of the Canton of Bern ultimately held that the Swiss Confederation had acquired ownership over the painting.No publisherOwnership/propriétéLoan/prêtJudicial decision/décision judiciaireArtwork/oeuvre d’artJudicial claim/action en justiceNegotiation/négociationSwitzerland/SuisseLiebermann VillaNazi looted art/spoliations naziesPost 1970 restitution claims/demandes de restitution post 1970DonationChoice of law/droit applicableState immunity/immunité des EtatsProcedural issue/limites procéduralesConditional restitution/restitution sous condition2019/10/01 15:30:00 GMT+1Page200 Paintings – Goudstikker Heirs and the Netherlands
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/200-paintings-2013-goudstikker-heirs-and-the-netherlands
The art collection of Jacques Goudstikker was acquired by the Nazi commander Hermann Göring under suspicious circumstances during the Second World War. A large part of the collection was recovered by the Allied Forces after the war and it was subsequently returned to the Netherlands where it was labelled “Dutch national property”. The first part of these items was bought back by Goudstikker’s wife under a settlement agreement of 1952. The Dutch Government returned the second part – 200 paintings – to Marei Von Saher (the only surviving heir of Jacques Goudstikker) in 2006 based on a recommendation of the Dutch Restitution Committee.No publisherNazi looted art/spoliations naziesNegotiation/négociationNetherlands/Pays-BasJudicial claim/action en justiceRequest denied/rejet de la demandeArtwork/oeuvre d’artSettlement agreement/accord transactionnelUnconditional restitution/restitution sans conditionJacques GoudstikkerOwnership/propriétéInstitutional facilitator/facilitateur institutionnelConciliationRepurchase/rachat2013/04/08 14:25:00 GMT+1PageAncient Coins – Ancient Coin Collectors Guild v. United States
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/case-ancient-coins-2013-ancient-coin-collectors-guild-v-united-states
In an attempt to challenge import regulations in force in the United States (US), the Ancient Coin Collectors Guild (ACCG) imported into the US 23 ancient coins, which were seized by customs officials. The case was litigated from 2007 to 2019, with courts consistently deciding in favour of the US Government and the import restrictions remaining in place.No publisherRequest denied/rejet de la demandeIllicit exportation/exportation illiciteJudicial decision/décision judiciaireJudicial claim/action en justiceUnited States/États-UnisArchaeological object/objet archéologiqueIllicit importation/importation illiciteAncient Coin Collectors GuildIllicit excavation/fouille illiciteProcedural issue/limites procéduralesPost 1970 restitution claims/demandes de restitution post 19702019/10/14 09:40:00 GMT+1PageEtruscan Black-Figured Kalpis – Italy and Toledo Museum of Art
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/etruscan-black-figured-kalpis-2013-italy-and-toledo-museum-of-art
After an extensive investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations, the Toledo Museum of Art returned in 2013 an Etruscan black-figure kalpis to Italy. The kalpis was found to be smuggled out of Italy after an illegal excavation prior to 1981, then sold to the Toledo Museum of Art in 1982 by Gianfranco and Ursula Becchina, who had earlier purchased it from the art smuggler Giacomo Medici. No publisherU.S. Immigration and Customs EnforcementUnited States/États-UnisItaly/ItalieNegotiation/négociationCriminal offence/infraction pénaleToledo Museum of ArtGianfranco and Ursula BecchinaUnconditional restitution/restitution sans conditionJudicial claim/action en justiceIllicit exportation/exportation illiciteIllicit importation/importation illicitePost 1970 restitution claims/demandes de restitution post 1970Archaeological object/objet archéologique2017/10/10 11:40:00 GMT+1PageSarcophage romain – I. SA c. Ordonnance de restitution et Turquie
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/sarcophage-romain-2013-i-sa-c-ordonnance-de-restitution-et-turquie
Fin 2010, lors d’un contrôle d’inventaire aux Ports francs de Genève, l’Administration fédérale des douanes découvre un exceptionnel sarcophage romain représentant les douze travaux d’Hercule. Suspicieuse, l’Administration séquestre le bien. La Turquie se constitue comme partie plaignante dans la procédure pénale ouverte à Genève, se déclarant légitime propriétaire du sarcophage. En 2015, le Ministère public genevois ordonne la restitution de l’objet à la Turquie. Le détenteur du sarcophage recourt en vain devant la Cour de Justice puis au Tribunal fédéral, avant de se rétracter. L’objet doit donc être restitué à la Turquie, mais personne n’a été condamnéNo publisherJudicial decision/décision judiciaireCriminal offence/infraction pénaleSwitzerland/SuisseMinistère public genevoisArchaeological object/objet archéologiqueJudicial claim/action en justiceUnconditional restitution/restitution sans conditionIllicit excavation/fouille illicitePost 1970 restitution claims/demandes de restitution post 1970Ownership/propriétéTurkey/Turquie2017/12/22 16:35:00 GMT+1PageFive Italian Paintings – Gentili di Giuseppe Heirs v. Musée du Louvre and France
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/five-italian-paintings-2013-gentili-di-giuseppe-heirs-v-musee-du-louvre-and-france
In 1998, the heirs of the renowned Jewish art collector Federico Gentili di Giuseppe sued the Louvre Museum seeking the restitution of five paintings. These paintings, which were part of Federico Gentili di Giuseppe’s collection, were bought at auction by Herman Göring in 1941 and transferred to the Musée du Louvre at the end of the Second World War. No publisherUnconditional restitution/restitution sans conditionFederico Gentili di GiuseppeNegotiation/négociationStatute of limitation/prescriptionArtwork/oeuvre d’artMusée du LouvreOwnership/propriétéJudicial claim/action en justiceFranceNazi looted art/spoliations naziesJudicial decision/décision judiciaire2013/02/03 11:20:00 GMT+1PageCase Cranach Diptych – Goudstikker Heirs and Norton Simon Museum
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/case-cranach-diptych-2013-goudstikker-heirs-and-norton-simon-museum-1
The Cranach diptych “Adam and Eve” was presumably part of Jacques Goudstikker’s collection looted by the Nazis during the Second World War. For several years, Goudstikker’s sole heir, Marei von Saher, and the Norton Simon Museum in California have led unsuccessful negotiations regarding the heir’s restitution claim. Notwithstanding the support received by the State of California and by several organizations, Marei von Saher’s claims in replevin were dismissed by both the District Court for the Central District of California and by the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The Supreme Court of the United States denied the heir’s petition for writ of certiorari.No publisherJudicial decision/décision judiciaireRequest denied/rejet de la demandeArtwork/oeuvre d’artNorton Simon FoundationAct of StateJudicial claim/action en justiceStatute of limitation/prescriptionNegotiation/négociationNazi looted art/spoliations naziesOwnership/propriétéJacques Goudstikker2021/08/17 10:20:00 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+1PageTrente-sept tableaux spoliés par le régime nazi – Paul Rosenberg c. Théodore Fischer et consorts
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/trente-sept-tableaux-spolies-par-le-regime-nazi-2013-paul-rosenberg-c-theodore-fischer-et-consorts
En 1946, Paul Rosenberg, célèbre marchand d’art français et israélite, ouvre une action en restitution de trente-sept tableaux de maître dont il a été spolié en France, durant l’occupation allemande, par le régime nazi, et qui se sont retrouvés en Suisse à la fin de la guerre. L’action est portée devant la Chambre des actions en revendication de biens spoliés, chambre spéciale et extraordinaire du Tribunal fédéral (TF). En 1948, le TF admet le recours et condamne les défendeurs à restituer les tableaux litigieux à P. Rosenberg.No publisherJudicial decision/décision judiciaireArtwork/oeuvre d’artState responsibility/responsabilité internationale des EtatsExpropriationSwitzerland/SuisseGermany/AllemagneJudicial claim/action en justiceThéodore Fisher et consortsUnconditional restitution/restitution sans conditionNazi looted art/spoliations naziesOwnership/propriétéPaul Rosenberg2022/01/25 16:55:00 GMT+1PageDeux tableaux de Toulouse-Lautrec – Koerfer c. Goldschmidt
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/deux-tableaux-de-toulouse-lautrec-2013-koerfer-c-goldschmidt-1
En 1940, Jakob Goldschmidt, banquier juif et grand collectionneur d’art se voit retirer la nationalité allemande par le régime nazi qui s’approprie, par la suite, son patrimoine. Deux de ses tableaux du peintre Toulouse-Lautrec sont alors vendus aux enchères publiques et acquises par Jakob Koerfer qui en fait cadeau à sa femme, résidant en Suisse. Au décès de cette dernière, les tableaux sont dévolus aux enfants du couple. En 1956, Alfred Erwin Goldschmidt ouvre contre Jakob Koerfer et ses enfants une action en restitution des tableaux litigieux. Sa demande est rejetée en dernière instance par le Tribunal fédéral selon lequel les héritiers Koerfer sont, d’après le droit suisse, valablement devenus propriétaires des tableaux litigieux.
No publisherJudicial decision/décision judiciaireRequest denied/rejet de la demandeArtwork/oeuvre d’artSwitzerland/SuisseGermany/AllemagneJakob KoerferJudicial claim/action en justiceProcedural issue/limites procéduralesJakob GoldschmidChoice of law/droit applicableNazi looted art/spoliations naziesOwnership/propriété2022/01/25 19:30:59 GMT+1PageKa Nefer Nefer Mask – United States v. Mask of Ka Nefer Nefer
https://plone.unige.ch/art-adr/cases-affaires/ka-nefer-nefer-mask-2013-united-states-v-mask-of-ka-nefer-nefer
On July 28, 2014, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the request of the United States Government to take further legal action regarding the St. Louis Art Museum’s ownership of the 3200 year old Egyptian Ka Nefer Nefer funerary mask. No publisherOwnership/propriétéSt. Louis Art MuseumJudicial decision/décision judiciaireJudicial claim/action en justiceCriminal offence/infraction pénaleNegotiation/négociationRequest denied/rejet de la demandeArchaeological object/objet archéologiqueIllicit importation/importation illiciteUnited States/États-UnisEgypt/EgypteProcedural issue/limites procéduralesPost 1970 restitution claims/demandes de restitution post 19702015/07/17 11:45:00 GMT+1Page