Matisse painting returns to legal heirs today
News — Nov 22, 2024
The painting Odalisque (1920/21) by Henri Matisse was returned to the legal successors of Albert Stern today. This decision follows the previously published binding opinion of the Dutch Restitutions Committee. Following research, the Committee concluded that it is highly likely that the sale of the painting was connected to measures taken by the occupying forces against Jewish citizens and arose from a desire for self-preservation.
The German textile manufacturer Albert Stern (1861-1945) and his family lived under such dire circumstances during the Nazi regime that they were forced to sell their belongings, including the painting by Matisse. The proceeds from the sale were intended to finance an escape attempt. As a result, in 1941 the painting entered the collection of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, which is owned by Amsterdam City Council. The Restitutions Committee ruled that the sale of the painting was related to deteriorating circumstances directly linked to the Nazi regime.
Rein Wolfs, director of the Stedelijk Museum, says: “This work represents a very sad history and is connected to the unspeakable suffering inflicted on this family. The restitution of this painting does justice to this history.”
More information on the previously published binding opinion and advice of the Restitutions Committee can be found here.
