Call Us Now: (504) 282-7611

When Fine Art is Stolen, Held Hostage or Destroyed

While we hesitate to bring up politics or the world situation, art is suffering as it never has before. Today I posted on The Appraisal Group Facebook page (http://bit.ly/25w6acS.) a drone video of the destruction of ruins in Palmyra. Unfortunately, this is not a new subject. Terrorist groups have systematically destroyed ancient art that is the foundation of civilization.

i don’t wish disaster on anyone and my heart is heavy writing about this subject.  It does, however, make more sense than ever to know the value of what you own or want to pass on to family.  Here is another example of how times of crises can impact fine art collections.

In the mid-2000’s a Russian named Peter Konowaloff wrote to Yale University saying a work in their collection,  Van Gogh’s “Night Cafe”, was stolen from his family during the Russian Revolution. The same man had previously contested a work of art in the Met Museum, stating that it had been appropriated from his family.

The Yale case went on for several years. The Supreme Court recently upheld the United States “Act of State” doctrine that prevents US courts from second-guessing the policies of foreign governments. This refers to the Konowaloff claim. Yale keeps the painting. Its value is $200M.

A few years ago Hollywood put out the movie “Monuments Men”. It was an loose account of the efforts of our government to locate and catalog art the Nazis had stolen from homes. It is definitely worth seeing.

As I write this blog today, I weep for the people and the art being broken by wars. Pray it never happens here or to you.

Editor’s Note: Today’s featured image is Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Night Cafe”.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Americana Collector Lewis W. Scranton

When it comes to collecting fine art and antiques, some people just can’t get enough.  One of these is Lewis W. Scranton. a Connecticut yankee whose passion is fine Americana.  Today The Appraisal ...

Celebrating African-American Artists: Clementine Hunter

The Appraisal Group celebrates the work of Louisiana’s own Clementine Hunter (1886-1998). From the Cane River region of the state, Ms. Hunter is among the first African-American artists to have a s...

Why Birkin Bags At Auction Command So Much Money

I posted on Facebook the other day news of the newest most expensive resold bag in the world. After a couple of comments and questions, decided the best thing The Appraisal Group can do is give you...

A Treasure Hunt Every Day

Life can be exciting when your job is to sort through other people’s collections and valuables. When something winning comes to the surface – that’s a good day for client and appraiser. To give you...

Professional Appraisal VS Free Appraisal

I just read a blog on a flea market website that touted the idea that you should try to get a free appraisal of antiques you have in your collection or purchase.  The point of this blog is to clear...

Boston’s Skinner Awarded American Impressionist Painting By The Appraisal Group

Of the many fine art and antique appraisals we do, most clients would like to realize a profit on their fine art and historic furniture.  Placing an oil painting or antiques with the right buyer – ...