From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 50s
Art Institute Returns Holocaust Painting to Lewenstein Family
Art Institute of Chicago returns 1913 Metzinger painting to Holocaust-looted family.
In brief
Art Institute of Chicago returns 1913 Metzinger painting to Holocaust-looted family. Art Institute of Chicago returns 1913 Jean Metzinger painting to Lewenstein family after Nazi persecution during WWII. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Art Institute returns painting
The Art Institute of Chicago will return the 1913 Cubist painting Woman with a Fan by Jean Metzinger to the Lewenstein family.
“The Art Institute of Chicago, at 111 S. Michigan Ave., said Tuesday it will return the Cubist painting Woman with a Fan by French artist Jean Metzinger to the Lewenstein family”
Painting lost during Nazi era
The 1913 painting was lost during a forced Nazi-era sale in the Netherlands amid World War II.
“The oil painting from 1913 was lost during a forced Nazi-era sale in the Netherlands”
Historical gaps in record
Museum’s provenance director Jacques Schuhmacher noted significant gaps in the painting’s historical record.
“Schuhmacher said there were significant gaps in the painting’s historical record”
Painting resurfaces in 1950s
The painting resurfaced on the Dutch art market in the 1950s and moved through Paris and New York galleries.
“The work resurfaced on the Dutch art market in the 1950s, moved through galleries in Paris and New York City”
Acquired by Chicago museum
The Art Institute acquired the painting in 1959 from Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Kunstadter.
“The Art Institute of Chicago acquired the painting in 1959 when Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Kunstadter donated the work”
Infrared discovery
Modern infrared imaging revealed a name written in faint pencil on the painting’s back: Paul Citroen.
“Researchers discovered a name written in faint pencil on the back of the piece: Paul Citroen”
Paul Citroen connection
Paul Citroen was a Dutch art dealer who sold the painting to Emmanuel Lewenstein in 1928.
“Citroen was a Dutch art dealer in Berlin and the Netherlands who sold the work to art collector Emmanuel Lewenstein”
Nazi persecution confirmed
The Lewensteins were Jewish and persecuted by Nazis after 1940 Netherlands occupation.
“The Lewensteins were Jewish. They were persecuted because they were Jewish”
Historical verification
Researchers verified the painting’s dimensions using 1940 auction catalog and Dutch newspaper article.
“Researchers were able to verify the exact dimensions of the Metzinger painting using 1940 auction catalog and Dutch newspaper article”
Restitution decision
The Art Institute decided to return the painting to the Lewenstein heirs after verification.
“The decision was made to restitute the painting to the Lewenstein heirs”
Restitution significance
Restitution returns ownership and restores family agency over the artwork.
“It’s not just about transferring ownership back to a family. It’s also about restoring the agency to the family to do with this painting what they think is appropriate”
Museum confirms painting removal
Museum spokesperson Megan Michienzi confirmed the painting is no longer on view.
“Megan Michienzi, spokesperson for the Art Institute of Chicago, confirmed that the Metz: the Metzinger painting is no longer on view at the museum”
Museum’s provenance focus
The Art Institute prioritizes provenance research and returns items when new information suggests restitution.
“The Art Institute has prioritized provenance research, and we are happy to return items when we learn new information that suggests they should go back”
Holocaust restitution impact
This restitution follows the Art Institute’s 2024 provenance research department and 2023 seizure of Schiele painting.
“The Art Institute operates one of the largest provenance research departments in the country. In 2023, authorities officially approved the seizure of the Schiele painting from the museum”
What it means
Art Institute of Chicago returns 1913 Jean Metzinger painting to Lewenstein family after Nazi persecution during WWII.
