Suchergebnisse

Abstract:The return of works of art by museums to nations of origin has generated considerable scholarly response, yet there has been little engagement with the potential role museums could have as responsible stewards for works of art that are at risk. One important example can be seen in the actions of the Menil Foundation. The Menil, with the permission of the Church of Cyprus, conserved a series of frescoes and created a purpose-built gallery on the Menil campus in Houston to safely house them. It was a novel solution to the problems caused by the situation in Cyprus. Acquiring and saving these thirteenth century frescoes gives an important template for the rescue and conservation of works of art that are at risk, but also exposes similarly-situated actors to the moral dilemma of purchasing looted art with the consent of the original owner.

Abstract:Cultural property claims are numerous and of very different nature. Some relate to recent trafficking of cultural property;1some are based on ancient legal grounds which are contested today;2others relate to past wars and colonial times;3others, still, relate to mass spoliations in times of conflict.4In general, though, the original owner seeks to recover what was taken from him, or at least to obtain some form of compensation.5The present owner or possessor is as a matter of principle interested in keeping his possession.6These conflicting positions are often seen as irreconcilable and, indeed, litigation in a traditional manner will bring to the typical "either/or" solution: either I am the owner, or you are. There is no in-between solution.