St. Thomas Law Review
First Page
373
Document Type
Article
Abstract
It is undisputed by all that the very nature of artwork makes it valuable. As only the original artist is able to recreate that style of artwork, it is a commodity that is able to inspire the collector and attract the art thief. This Article begins by looking at the artwork that has been plundered or stolen by persons who are considered art thieves by most, but saviors of the arts by others. However, thieves often come in different sizes and shapes. Some countries allege that other countries have stolen their culture, while others focus on members of the military who acted as soldiers of fortune, capturing another's objects of desire for their own private sale or use. However, all express differing views as to whom is the true owner, and if it should be given back to that person or country. This Article will address the innocent purchasers who bought those ill gotten treasures, and the difficulties those collectors have in retaining the work they sought to appreciate. And "appreciate" it did. Many works of fine art have appreciated beyond the wildest dreams of the artists who created those masterpieces from simple pieces of canvas and palettes of paints. Those artists would be amazed to find that their works are now considered national treasures that have inspired governments to pass legislation in order to protect these works as being representative of national cultures.
Recommended Citation
Hans Kennon,
Take a Picture, It May Last Longer If Guggenheim Becomes the Law of the Land: The Repatriation of Fine Art,
8
St. Thomas L. Rev.
373
(1996).
Available at:
https://scholarship.stu.edu/stlr/vol8/iss2/5