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2mo ago

Tate Britain to Return Nazi-Looted Painting to Jewish Collector’s Heirs

The UK government confirms the restitution of Henry Gibbs’ 17th-century artwork to the descendants of Samuel Hartveld, marking a milestone in addressing Nazi-era injustices.

Aeneas and his Family Fleeing Burning Troy painting by Henry Gibbs, 1654, is seen in this handout image obtained by Reuters on March 28, 2025. Tate/Handout via REUTERS
The 'Triptych of the Crucifixion' attributed to Flemish painter Joachim Patinir was restituted in 2018

Overview

  • The painting, 'Aeneas and His Family Fleeing Burning Troy,' was identified as looted property by the Spoliation Advisory Panel and deemed taken as an act of racial persecution.
  • Samuel Hartveld, a Jewish Belgian art collector, fled Antwerp in 1940 during the Nazi occupation, leaving behind his art collection, including the Gibbs painting.
  • Tate Britain acquired the artwork in 1994, unaware of its looted provenance, and has now collaborated with Hartveld’s heirs for its restitution.
  • The Sonia Klein Trust, established by Hartveld’s descendants, filed a restitution claim in May 2024, leading to the panel’s recommendation and government approval for its return.
  • This restitution highlights the role of the Spoliation Advisory Panel and the Holocaust (Return of Cultural Objects) Act 2009 in addressing the legacy of Nazi-looted art.