Museum in Switzerland to Pull Famous Paintings by Monet, van Gogh Over Nazi Looting Fears

The Kunsthaus Zurich museum in Switzerland is temporarily removing two famous paintings by Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh from its collection due to concerns about their possible origin during the Nazi era. The museum is taking this step as part of a broader investigation into its collection's history during the Holocaust. The two works in question are Monet's 'Boulevard des Capucines' (1873) and van Gogh's 'Poppy Field with Crows' (1890). Both paintings were acquired by the museum in the 1950s, but their provenance, or ownership history, during the Nazi regime is unclear. The museum is currently investigating these works and other pieces in its collection to determine if they were looted from Jewish owners during the war. Kunsthaus Zurich announced its decision to temporarily remove the two paintings after a group of researchers, including the research project "Stolen Art Database," raised concerns about their provenance. This action highlights the ongoing effort by museums and institutions around the world to confront their role in the Nazi art looting during World War II. The removal of these famous paintings is a significant step for the museum, demonstrating their commitment to understanding and addressing the history of their collection. While the museum's investigation is underway, the paintings will be stored safely and securely until their provenance is fully clarified. This move reflects a growing awareness of the importance of provenance research and the responsibility of institutions to ensure that their collections are free from looted artworks.

Summary

"The Kunsthaus Zurich museum in Switzerland is temporarily removing two famous paintings by Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh from its collection to investigate their provenance during the Nazi era. This decision is part of a broader effort by museums worldwide to address their role in the Nazi art looting during World War II. The museum's investigation aims to determine if the paintings were looted from Jewish owners during the war, highlighting the importance of provenance research and the responsibility of institutions to ensure their collections are free from looted artworks."