Nazi-Looted Art Restitution

With the rise of National Socialism in Germany, the largest art theft in world history was initiated even before the outbreak of the Second World War. Between 1933 and 1945, over 650,000 artworks were seized or forcibly sold by the Nazis across Europe. Only a small fraction have been returned to their rightful owners. Despite the passage of time, the growing recognition among several nations that looted art must be returned to its rightful owners has been on the rise. Through the creation of legislations, Commissions, and other specific initiatives, this subject started to gather more attention. On March 5, 2024, the latest endeavor concerning the restitution of art confiscated by the Nazis was released: "Best Practices for the Washington Conference Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art". Two practices are worth highlighting: “L. Countries and institutions should maintain and publish online comprehensive information and statistics on research undertaken, works of art that have been identified and restitutions or other fair and just solutions that have been achieved. Information should be published about claims which have been made and that have been resolved, including reasons for the decision, giving due regard to confidentiality. M. Countries and institutions should establish central contact points to provide information, advice and help on any query regarding art, records, archives and claims”.