Charlotte Knobloch for debate about predatory art in the Bavarian State Painting Collections

Charlotte KnoblochPresident of the Israelite cultural community of Munich and Upper Bavaria, In the debate about dealing with Predatory art in the Bavarian State Painting Collections. The SZ is exclusively available.

The current debate about predatory art in the Bavarian State Painting Collections, initiated by the article by Jörg Häntzschel in the Süddeutsche Zeitung From February 19, 2025, great uncertainty triggers in the Jewish community. The implementation of the Washington principles of 1998 to the restitution of art objects that the National Socialists and their compliant supporters of Jewish owners have robbed is difficult and requires great care. Above all, it requires transparency and the will to return stolen works to the owners or their heirs as quickly as possible.

It is about justice. The injustice that was done to the former owner is not possible. All were persecuted, many driven out of Germany, others driven into suicide, they were kidnapped, tortured, murdered. Before that, they were systematically humiliated – and brought with extortionate means to get their belongings, which from then on enriched the National Socialist rulers and their followers. It was robbery for the lowest motives: hatred of Jews and greed.

The owners and their heirs are entitled to a quick implementation

It is unbearable that today, 80 years after the exemption from National Socialism and more than 25 years after the signing of the Washington principles, is only suspected that descendants of the former owners of predatory art are held by one of the most important museums in the country. We have heard confessions on historical responsibility long enough.

Those responsible must now create clarity as soon as possible – and finally return the stolen estate. The fact that the Bavarian state parliament has now unanimously adopted corresponding measures is a first essential step. The owners and their heirs are entitled to a rapid implementation. The trust in the credibility of politics and museums in the restitution is shaken – it must not be played.