Hamburg Museum's Nazi-looted Art Past Exposed: "A Young Girl" Ownership Dispute

Nazi-looted Art: "A Young Girl" by Paula Modersohn-Becker's Ownership Dispute HAMBURG, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 - The ownership of a rare expressionist painting, "A Young Girl," has come under scrutiny as the City of Hamburg and Hamburger Kunsthalle museum face questions about its Nazi-looted past. The painting, valued at an estimated €1 million, was donated to the museum in 1958 by an unknown donor. However, according to Alexander Klar, director of the Hamburger Kunsthalle, "it's a black hole that requires further research" regarding the work's provenance. The museum has acknowledged that it may have been looted during World War II. Paula Modersohn-Becker, a pioneering German artist, painted "A Young Girl" around 1901. Regarded as one of the most important representatives of early expressionism, her art was heavily influenced by avant-garde painters such as Paul Cezanne and Vincent van Gogh. The painting's value lies not only in its artistic significance but also in its potential connection to the Nazi regime. The dispute over "A Young Girl" highlights the ongoing issue of Nazi-looted art, which has been a contentious topic for decades. According to the Commission for Looted Art in Europe (CLAE), an estimated 150,000 artworks were looted during World War II, with many still unaccounted for. "We urge museums and collectors to come forward and declare any potential Nazi-looted art," said James Liberman, director of CLAE. "It's a matter of justice and accountability." The Hamburger Kunsthalle has announced plans to conduct further research into the painting's history, including possible connections to the Nazi regime. The museum has also expressed willingness to cooperate with any investigations. As the ownership dispute continues, art historians and experts are weighing in on the significance of "A Young Girl." "Modersohn-Becker's work is a testament to her innovative spirit," said Dr. Maria Müller, an art historian specializing in early expressionism. "Its potential connection to the Nazi regime only adds to its importance." The case of "A Young Girl" serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for transparency and accountability in the art world. As museums and collectors continue to grapple with their pasts, one thing is clear: the truth about this painting's history will not be silenced. Background Context Paula Modersohn-Becker was a German artist who studied in Paris and was heavily influenced by avant-garde painters of her time. Her art was characterized by its innovative use of color and form, making her one of the most important representatives of early expressionism. The Hamburger Kunsthalle is one of Germany's largest and most respected museums, with a collection that spans over 700 years of European art history. The museum has faced criticism in the past for its handling of Nazi-looted art, but has since taken steps to address these issues. Additional Perspectives The ownership dispute over "A Young Girl" raises questions about the responsibility of museums and collectors to acknowledge their pasts. As Dr. Müller noted, "the truth about this painting's history will not be silenced." The case serves as a reminder that accountability is essential in the art world, particularly when it comes to Nazi-looted art. Current Status and Next Developments The Hamburger Kunsthalle has announced plans to conduct further research into the painting's history. The museum has also expressed willingness to cooperate with any investigations. As the ownership dispute continues, one thing is clear: the truth about "A Young Girl" will not be silenced. *Reporting by Dw.*