in 2007 Mara von Sacher-law, a major Dutch collector Gaudstikkera Jacques (Jacques Goudstikker), tried to sue the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena (California) diptych $28 million in 2006 prices.

the diptych "Adam and eve" by Lucas Cranach the Elder is quite complicated and tragic history. After the revolution the Bolsheviks seized it from the family collection of the Stroganovs-Щербатовых and sent to auction in Europe, apparently finding enough valuable for the Soviet state, but it is able to be sold for decent money. At auction in 1931 in Berlin Cranach diptych and bought Jacques Gaudstikkera. However, he owned them a short time in 1940-м his collection confiscated by the Nazis, including "Adam and eve".

After the war, the diptych was in the Netherlands. The Dutch government decided that the real owner of the diptych — Stroganoff descendant of American George Stroganov-Щербатов and sold Cranach him. It was in 1960-х, and in 1971-м Stroganov-Щербатов resold the diptych already the Norton Simon Museum.

Mara von Sacher has been very successfully engaged in the restitution of property of his father-in-law: in 2006 the Dutch government returned to her 200 works from the collection of Jacques Gaudstikkera. But none of them were the Cranach diptych. And Mara von Sacher decided to seek his return to whatever was filed in the court at the Norton Simon Museum almost ten years, time after time delivers the appeals against the decisions of the American court, who are all as one not in her favor.

it happened this time. August 15, a California court ruled in favor of the Norton Simon Museum. Judge John Walter ruled that the family of Goudstikker and the law firm representing their interests after the war, did not have time on their rights to a diptych. All possible time limits for filing claims has expired. The plaintiff intends to file another appeal.

And the Museum welcomed the court's decision: "the Norton Simon Museum takes seriously the responsibility entrusted to him in connection with the possession of such significant works of art. These works are on display almost continuously since 1971, and we will provide open access to them audience in all subsequent years".

the Material was prepared by Maria Onuchina, AI

Sources: artnet.com, theartnewspaper.com, artinvestment.ru

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