The artwork was on art market in 2017, buyers voluntarily surrendered it.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) returned eight works of art stolen by the Nazis in 1940 to the Jewish descendants of its former owners, including a small pastel drawing by Claude Monet.
Adalbert and Hilda Parlagi were forced to flee from their home in Vienna when it was annexed to Germany, which was then raided by Nazi forces. The couple searched for the paintings stolen from their collection, but died before they could find them. Their children also unsuccessfully searched for the pieces before passing away.
The Monet drawing went up for auction in 2019 at a New Orleans-based art dealer, where it was acquired by private collectors. The FBI began investigating the source of the piece in 2021, leading the collectors to voluntarily surrender this and other paintings to Helen Lowe and Francoise Parlagi, the granddaughters of the original owners.
“While this Monet is undoubtedly valuable, its true worth lies in what it represents to the Parlagi family,” said James Dennehy, assistant director of the FBI’s New York City office.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For FBI officials as they investigate and return looted valuables to their rightful owners.
- For Director Christopher Wray to be discerning as he heads the FBI.
Sources: Reuters, AP News
