As more and more artwork is discovered to be stolen or looted, museums and collectors need to examine the artwork they are buying and is already in their collection.
the Worcester Art Museum announced the transfer of ownership of a cherished bronze bust of a daughter of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius to the Manhattan DA’s office[1]. This valuable artwork is just one of the 24 pieces that were seized from other museums and private collectors, all linked to the notorious art dealer Robert Hecht, who passed away in 2012. These works were looted from Bubon in Turkiye, where local villagers pillaged a significant collection of Roman bronzes, and subsequently sold through Manhattan. When creating estate plans for collectors, particularly those who specialize in ancient and archaic artwork, it is crucial to consider the possibility of acquiring stolen art. To mitigate this risk, here are some signs to watch for and actions to take.
There are several common indications that an artwork might be stolen or looted. First, if the artwork lacks a clear provenance or ownership history, it raises a red flag. Second, if the artwork has been unlawfully removed from a museum, church, or archaeological site, it should be approached with caution.
