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Posted by Kerry Kubilius Dec 22, 2007 |
The exhibit is set to go ahead. Or is it? Wait - the Russians say yes. No, no they don't.
What?
For anyone who has been following the story about an important art exhibit of French and Russian artists - owned by Russia, but confiscated by Bolsheviks from their original owners after the Russian Revolution - the resolution of this conflict seems uncertain. So much vacillation has occurred on the part of the Russian Culture Agency, who is responsible for the artworks, even though London says the masterpieces will be safe.
Why are the Russians worried? For one, the question of ownership looms heavy over these works by Van Gogh, Matisse, and others. Taken from their original owners by the Russian government, family members seek to reclaim the artwork that was taken from their ancestors. Secondly, Russia has expressed anxiety about the paintings being seized by companies owed money by the Russian government. Russia, thief to some, debtor to others, is right to be afraid.
London, however, is going to pass a special law so that the important paintings can not be confiscated or reclaimed. Upon the passage of the law, the Russian Culture Agency will be willing to release the paintings for public viewing in Great Britain.
Maybe.