Royal Library of Belgium Restitutes Painting to Heirs of Vichy-Looted Collector
The Royal Library of Belgium has restituted the painting "La Buveuse d'absinthe" to the descendants of Armand Dorville, a Jewish collector whose collection was sold in June 1942 under duress. The sale, intended to fund the family's escape from Nazi persecution, had its proceeds confiscated under Vichy's antisemitic laws. The restitution marks a significant step in addressing wartime spoliation.
Key facts
- The painting 'La Buveuse d'absinthe' was restituted by the Royal Library of Belgium.
- The restitution was made to the descendants of Armand Dorville.
- Dorville's collection was sold in June 1942.
- The sale was intended to finance the family's escape.
- Proceeds from the sale were confiscated under Vichy antisemitic laws.
- The painting was part of the Dorville collection.
- The restitution addresses wartime spoliation.
- The event occurred in 2026.
Entities
Institutions
- Royal Library of Belgium
- Bibliothèque royale de Belgique
Locations
- Belgium