The Sainte-Croix Museum in Poitiers, France, faces scrutiny over a sculpture by renowned French artist Aristide Maillol, as questions emerge about whether the artwork was truly "definitely not looted" during World War II. This case represents the third installment in an ongoing investigation series examining artworks of unknown ownership.
The sculpture at the center of the controversy is part of the museum's permanent collection, but its wartime history remains unclear. Art historians and provenance researchers are now questioning the institution's confidence in declaring the piece free from any connection to Nazi-era art theft.
This investigation falls under a broader series titled "Of Unknown Owner," which examines questionable art acquisitions and ownership claims across French cultural institutions. The series highlights the ongoing challenges museums face in verifying the legitimate ownership of artworks acquired during or shortly after World War II.
The case underscores the complex nature of art restitution issues that continue to plague European museums decades after the war's end. Many institutions are still working to trace the complete ownership history of pieces in their collections, particularly those acquired during the turbulent wartime period when countless artworks were stolen or forcibly sold.
