Ronald Lauder Warns Gift of Nazi Looted Art Will Open Pandora’s Box

is concerned that the gift of art from German collector Cornelius Gurlitt could open “Pandoras Box” of Nazi-looted treasure from Jewish victims, according to Times of Israel. German Culture Minister Monika Gruetters said she was in talks with Bern’s Museum of Fine Arts over 1, 280 paintings and drawings of Monet, Picasso, Chagall and others.

Before his passing, Gurlitt made an agreement with the German government to track down the rightful owners of his art collection. However, when he died, he named the Bern Museum as his sole heir. The Bern Museum spokespeople say they are “delighted” by the bequest, but still acknowledged there is a “burden of responsibility” to discover who the rightful owners are, and the museum owners are obligated to issues that are “of a legal and ethical nature” before claiming the art.

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