The Facts
On August 29, 2022, the City and Canton of Zurich and the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft announced the appointment of Professor Felix Uhlmann as delegate to implement an independent evaluation of the provenance research conducted on the Emil Bührle Collection. The works have been on long-term loan at the Kunsthaus Zürich since October 2021. The evaluation aims to ensure that no works shown at the museum are cultural property confiscated as a result of Nazi persecution. The process will involve a round table to secure input from relevant voices, including critics, and is expected to yield a final report in the first half of 2024, with costs borne by the three commissioning bodies.
The Signal
The evaluation represents a significant step in addressing longstanding concerns about the Bührle Collection, which originates from an arms dealer with a controversial wartime history. By commissioning an independent review with the highest scientific standards and including critical voices, the institutions signal a commitment to transparency and due diligence in provenance research. This move aligns with a broader international trend of museums re-examining collections for Nazi-looted art, and it may influence market perception of works with uncertain provenance, potentially affecting valuations and collector confidence in similar holdings.
- People: Felix Uhlmann
- Museums: Kunsthaus Zürich
- Locations: Zurich
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