Art looting was a central feature of Nazi expropriation throughout Europe during World War II. After the war, hundreds of thousands of artworks were recovered from the Germans' makeshift repositories in places such as churches, castles, and salt mines. Well-publicized restitution cases, such as that of Gustav Klimt's luminous golden painting Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, illustrate the legacy of Nazi looting. But not all looted art was returned to its rightful owners after the war.
Following cultural property norms of the time, several European governments created custodianships over unclaimed pieces, without using their archives to carry out thorough research to determine ownership. This policy has extended the dispossession of Jewish owners well into the 21st century.
Elizabeth Campbell, a University of Denver professor of history, provides an overview of Nazi art looting in Europe and the postwar recovery and restitution process. She also examines recent case studies, as the effort to recover plundered items continues to this day.
Campbell’s latest book, Museum Worthy: Nazi Art Plunder in Postwar Western Europe, is available for sale.
Special Offer - Book Sale Information
Take advantage of a 30% off discount offer on Elizabeth Campbell's Museum Worthy: Nazi Art Plunder in Postwar Western Europe book. View this special flyer from Oxford University Press to learn more.
General Information
