via Telegraph.co.uk

Israel’s National Museum opened a two new exhibitions that aims to reunite works of art and their rightful owners. “Looking for Owners” features roughly 53 works on loan from French Museums that were stolen by the Nazis and never returned. “Orphaned Art” exhibits works of which the owners are known to be deceased. The exhibitions have an impressive roster that include works by Courbet, Matisse, Monet, and Seurat.

Israel Museum Displays Looted Art [Associated Press]
Israel Tries to Unite Owners with Nazi Looted Art [Art Info]
Art Stolen by Nazis Shown for First Time [Telegraph]

The Museum’s Director says that the main intention of the exhibit is to illuminate the histories of these pieces. Extensive background information, online databases, and photographs combine to paint a comprehensive past for the works. And, if a valid claim of ownership is made the museum would be more than happy to surrender the works accordingly.

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