Who Owns Art?

Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I by Gustav Klimt

Maria Altmann fought a long legal battle against the Republic of Austria to reclaim five paintings by Gustav Klimt. These paintings were taken from her family during World War II. After reviewing the arguments of the prosecution and defense, students will debate who should be the rightful owners of the famed Klimt paintings. The lesson also will examine the ongoing restitution of works of art from both private and public collections to victims and heirs of victims of Nazi looting during the war.

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This lesson plan is available as part of The Greatest Theft in History Educational Program. We’ll regularly be adding more teaching aids, interviews, photos, archival footage and other valuable information.

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