March 15, 2007
Should Russia return seized German artefacts?
A reminder, that the Nazis weren’t the only ones involved in looting during the Second World War.
From:
Deutsche Welle (Germany)
Should Russia return seized German artefacts?,Art | 14.03.2007
Readers Say Russia Should Return Seized Artifacts to GermanyPieces of art seized from German museums by Soviet soldiers in 1945 are now on display at a Moscow exhibition. The ownership of the artifacts has been disputed since the war. Readers advocated this week for their return.
The following comments reflect the views of our readers. Not all reader comments have been published. DW-WORLD.DE reserves the right to edit for length and appropriateness of content.
If Russian law defines these objects as “compensation,” then Russian law is wrong. Historic artifacts like these should be kept in museums close to where they originated, not treated as “trophies.” In the UK, we have had a similar argument all my life (I’m 55) about the “Elgin Marbles,” taken from Greece in the 19th century by Lord Elgin and more properly known there as the Parthenon Marbles. Surely, with our sophisticated technological abilities these days, we could make very good copies of all these disputed objects which could travel around the world for display, while the originals remained where they belong. — Steve Cook, UKThey should be returned to their rightful owner, which is the Federal Republic of Germany. When artifacts are found that were stolen by the Nazis they are always returned to the original owner. — Ernst Stetz
If Germany has to return stolen treasures, the same concept has to apply to the other powers with respect to Germany. It’s the same thing with World War II victims. There aren’t good and bad victims, but only victims. If this concept were completely accepted, maybe we would have a better Europe. — Guido Giulio Boarelli
These looted artifacts should, of course, be returned. Remember, the Grimm brothers worked to return stolen artifacts from France after the Napoleonic wars. — Geir Helgen
The objects should be returned to Germany. International law is clear and precise about this kind of booty. — Dan
- Artefacts from German Museums now in Russia : June 3, 2005
- Russia’s embargo on art loan to Britain : December 19, 2007
- Turkish culture minister speaks about restitution claims : February 20, 2006
- Russia allows artwork to travel to UK : December 26, 2007
- USA returns stolen artefacts to Russia : May 20, 2016
- Kouros stolen in WWII is returned to Samos : June 16, 2005
- Germany wants Russia to return looted artefacts : July 28, 2005
- Could the Getty’s Greek artefact return hasten the restitution of the Elgin Marbles? : March 30, 2007