Jewish Heirs File Lawsuits for Nazi-Looted Paintings

Jewish heirs of Holocaust victims have initiated lawsuits in California to reclaim paintings that were taken by Nazis and are now displayed in museums located in Los Angeles and Auschwitz. These legal actions follow the passage of new laws in California and by the U.S. Congress to bolster claims on artwork seized from Jewish families during World War II.

One lawsuit, lodged in Los Angeles Superior Court, involves the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and its board chair Daniel Gryczman. They seek the return of two masterpieces, “Adam and Eve,” painted by Lucas Cranach the Elder in 1530, from the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. An accompanying photo from the Norton Simon Art Foundation displays these paintings.

Another lawsuit in federal court in L.A. was filed by the daughters of Dinah Gottliebova Babbitt, a Holocaust survivor and animator. They are claiming watercolors she was forced to create for Josef Mengele at Auschwitz. Museo logia Museum spokespeople assert that they legally possess the artworks and will continue their public display.

“These are incredibly beautiful European masterpieces stolen from a Jewish family to enrich the Nazi party and fund the war and death machine against the people.” – Rabbi Noah Farkas

The issue of artworks looted by Nazis poses emotional and complex legal and ethical challenges. Between 1933 and 1945, approximately 600,000 pieces were taken, creating ongoing disputes about their rightful ownership. Prominent museums around the world house these works, complicating recovery efforts.

The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles took legal action with the aim to assist local Holocaust survivors. Rabbi Noah Farkas highlighted the importance of this mission, noting the potential to aid about 2,500 survivors in L.A.

Marei von Saher, sole heir to Jacques Goudstikker, whose collection was seized by Hermann Göring, welcomed the lawsuits aimed at obtaining justice.

Legislation was put forth by Democratic Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel of California to address similar disputes by reinforcing state applicability in recovering art taken during the Holocaust.

Norton Simon Museum defended its possession of Cranach’s paintings, claiming legal ownership validated by previous court rulings, also noting their historical journey before acquisition.

Spokesperson for Auschwitz Memorial, Pawel Sawicki, stated the watercolors created by Babbitt must remain in place to illustrate Mengele’s war crimes, emphasizing their significant historical and documentary value.