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Case Summary
Hess Heir's Claim Against Germany for Kirchner Painting
Précis
In 2006, the Berlin government restituted a Kirchner painting to the heir of the World War II owner after determining that it could not prove that the sale of the painting in 1936/37 was not due to Nazi pressure. Opponents argued that the
restitution
The return or restoration of an art object or other specific thing to its rightful owner or status.
restitution was illegal under German law. The restitution of this famous painting after two years of secret government negotiations resulted in a political debate over the future handling of restitution claims in Germany.
Associated Statutes and/or Legislation
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