Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Nazi Loot Hoarder Disappears; Police Suspect Second Cache of Works

November 4, 2013 by Marion Maneker

Beckmann, The Lion Tamer

Not only has 80-year-old Cornelius Gurlitt disappeared on officials but he sold a significant work after the authorities confiscated his horde of looted art in 2011 leading the police to wonder if there is not another cache of paintings hidden somewhere else, according to the Independent:

“He could be anywhere in Germany. We think he may have access to unlimited funds,” a Munich customs spokesman said. The works are currently being held in a customs storage depot outside Munich while a state prosecutor’s investigation continues.

Customs officials said they were searching for a second cache of valuable “lost” art works by modern masters including Picasso, Max Beckmann, and Marc Chagall among others, which they thought Mr Gurlitt was living off by slowly selling them and parking the proceeds in a Swiss account.

They said their suspicions were raised by his sale of a Max Beckmann  masterpiece entitled “The Lion Tamer” at auction in Cologne in December 2011 – two months after his  secret cache of paintings was discovered and confiscated by customs officials. “The Lion Tamer” was sold off for a total of €864,000 at the Lempertz auction house.

Search Is On for Second Cache of Art Confiscated by Nazis (Independent)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • The Football Player Who Missed Being an ArtistThe Football Player Who Missed Being an Artist
  • Artprice’s European Top 50Artprice’s European Top 50
  • You Sold My Warhols!?You Sold My Warhols!?
  • Keith Haring Archival Trove Comes to Auction, with Proceeds Going to Key LGBTQ OrganizationKeith Haring Archival Trove Comes to Auction, with Proceeds Going to Key LGBTQ Organization
  • Unique $650k Vase Has TwinUnique $650k Vase Has Twin
  • Sotheby’s London Cont Evening Sale HighlightsSotheby’s London Cont Evening Sale Highlights

Filed Under: Fraud, Theft & Restitution

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor
 

Loading Comments...