Exhibition in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon Exposes Art Market's Dark Past Under Nazi Occupation
An exhibition titled 'Le marché de l'art sous l'Occupation' is set to open at the Lieu de Mémoire in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, France, from July 2 to November 28, 2026. The show draws on the research of art historian Emmanuelle Polack, whose 2019 book first detailed the rampant profiteering in the French art market during the Nazi occupation (1940–1944). Polack's archival work revealed how dealers, gallerists, auctioneers, and even museum curators exploited the spoliation of Jewish families, with some actively denouncing them to expedite confiscation. Between 1941 and 1942, over two million objects passed through Paris, where the Hôtel Drouot auction house, then barred to Jews, facilitated transactions. After the war, few perpetrators faced consequences, while spoliated families endured lengthy restitution battles that continue today. The exhibition's venue, a village recognized for its 'Righteous Among the Nations,' amplifies its moral weight. The show is featured in Beaux Arts Magazine's summer double issue (n°505-506, July 2026).
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Le marché de l'art sous l'Occupation' runs from July 2 to November 28, 2026, at Lieu de Mémoire, 23 Route du Mazet, 43400 Le Chambon-sur-Lignon.
- Based on Emmanuelle Polack's 2019 book, which exposed the art market's collaboration during the Nazi occupation.
- Between 1941 and 1942, over two million objects transited through Paris, with transactions and auctions at Hôtel Drouot, which was forbidden to Jews.
- Dealers, gallerists, auctioneers, and museum curators profited from spoliation of Jewish families, some even denouncing them.
- After the war, few perpetrators were punished; only minor fines were issued.
- Spoliated families faced long restitution battles, still ongoing.
- The exhibition is held in a village of 'Righteous Among the Nations,' adding moral significance.
- Featured in Beaux Arts Magazine n°505-506, July 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Adolf Hitler
- Hermann Goering
- Hans Makart
- Emmanuelle Polack
Institutions
- Mémorial de la Shoah
- Hôtel Drouot
- Beaux Arts Magazine
- Lieu de Mémoire
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Le Chambon-sur-Lignon