by Amineddoleh & Associates LLC | Apr 11, 2016 |
On April 21, Leila will be presenting an art crime lecture to members of the Neue Galerie. The New York museum is currently displaying an excellent exhibition entitled “Munch and Expressionism” that has been well received by critics and museum-goers alike. In light of the well-known thefts of Munch works, the sky-high prices for his pieces, and this month’s recovery of one of his lithographs, the Neue Galerie will be offered a lecture on art crime to museum members. Leila, a Junior Council Member, will be discussing art crime and the recovery of stolen works. As the museum is home to Klimt’s “Adele Bloch-Bauer” (the “Woman in Gold”), a work restituted to a family victimized by the Nazis, the Neue Galerie is an ideal place to examine art crime issues. Consider joining the museum to attend this lecture and to learn about other innovative programming (including exhibition previews, cabaret nights, and art lectures) throughout the year.
by Amineddoleh & Associates LLC | Mar 28, 2016 |
On the heels of Friday’s sold-out LCCHP conference, Looted Art and Cultural Property: Current Controversies, Future Resolutions, I’m pleased to share my most recent publication (also released on Friday), “Cultural Heritage Vandalism and Looting: The Role of Terrorist Organizations, Public Institutions and Private Collectors.” The piece examines issues related to looted antiquities and ISIL.
Abstract: The destruction and looting of cultural heritage in the Middle East by terrorist organizations is well-documented by social media and the press. Its brutality and severity have drawn international criticism as the violent destruction of heritage is classified as a war crime. Efforts have been made to preserve objects against bombing and destruction, as archaeologists and other volunteers safeguard sites prior to assault. There is also precedent for prosecuting heritage destruction via national and international tribunals. In term of looting, black-market antiquities provide a revenue stream for ISIS; therefore, efforts must be made to stop this harmful trade. Governmental agencies have taken actions to prevent funding through antiquities. Public institutions have a role in safeguarding looted works by providing asylum to them without fueling the black market. At the same time, private collectors must also not purchase any items from the black market. Through education and enforcement of legislation intended to protect cultural heritage, it may be possible to reduce the market for looted antiquities.
by Amineddoleh & Associates LLC | Mar 4, 2016 |
Today I had the pleasure of attending a round table discussion at the United Nations sponsored by The Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Antiquities Coalition. The discussion featured German Cultural Minister Monika Grütters. It was a pleasure to briefly meet her and then learn more about the actions taken by Germany to protect cultural heritage. The discussion examined the concept of German cultural heritage and the controversial pending law related to the sale of works outside of Germany. However, the emphasis of today’s meeting was cultural heritage originating from outside of German borders, particularly looted objects from conflict areas such as Syria and Iraq.
Ms. Grütters addressed the group of attendees by explaining the need for clear export and import laws and thorough due diligence. She noted that these things are necessary for legitimate trade. She noted that these requirements will be compulsory under the proposed German law amendments. In her discussion, the Cultural Minister also noted that there is a trade in loot. For those that deny the prevalence of the black market, she stated that the looting pits are evidence in themselves. She made the excellent point that without the trade in illicit antiquities, there would be no looting; essentially, the market creates the looting. With this problematic market, the Cultural Minister called upon museums and dealers to complete due diligence. She asserted that each state in the EU and the European Union as a whole bears responsibility for protecting heritage.
I was particularly pleased to hear Ms. Grütters address education. She stated that there is a need to educate art and heritage buyers. She made the important point that not all buyers are criminals. It is important to raise awareness in the public, in tourists, and in casual collectors. As Ms. Grütters noted, art is different than other smuggled property. Art is different than drugs or weapons. Art has a “special character and is not simply a commodity,” but it carries interest in a particular “society.” However, that interest brings with it high values of money and profit margins. For all of these reasons, Ms. Grütters emphasized the importance of educating the public and government officials (taking a cue from Italy, she noted that it is important to also educate law enforcement agents), and legally require due diligence.
As an art and heritage attorney and art law professor, I often discuss the need for proper
due diligence and
education. It was rewarding to hear Germany’s Cultural Minister to discuss these topics and make these demands on buyers and governments.
by Amineddoleh & Associates LLC | Feb 26, 2016 |
As the world looks on in horror as the Islamic State, ISIL (also known as “Daesh” or “ISIS”) vandalizes and loots cultural heritage objects and sites, people around the world feel helpless and wonder as to how they can halt these criminal activities. Although stopping the vandalism may require military force and may risk the health and safety of volunteers on the ground attempting to stop this behavior, the public may have an influence on the rampant looting. Looting frequently occurs because there is a market for illicit antiquities. It is the responsibility of collectors, public institutions, and other art market players not to purchase or deal in antiquities without full provenance. Buyers must do their due diligence, and they must not purchase works from conflict zones that are not accompanied with full ownership histories and official export documentation. Leila Amineddoleh discusses this topic in a recent editorial in the Guardian.
by Amineddoleh & Associates LLC | Feb 11, 2016 |
Leila A. Amineddoleh is pleased to participate in “Art and the Third Reich, From Degenerate and Looted Art to Recovery ad Restitution (A Holocaust Symposium)” from 4-6 pm on Tuesday, February 23rd at Boston College. Joining her on the panel will be Victoria Reed from the Museum of Fine Arts, and Stephanie Leone and John J. Michalczyk from Boston College. The panel will provide background about the Nazi’s systematic looting of Europe leading up to, and during, the Second World War, and will provide insights to the treatment of “degenerate” art, Nazi collecting and propaganda, and legal tools used to return objects to their rightful owners. To read more about some of the pertinent legal issues prior to the panel discussion, read Leila’s article on Nazi loot and statutes of limitations.
