Max Klingers Entwurf für den „Beethoven-Thron“: Eine Fallstudie zur kooperativen Provenienzforschung

Using a drawing by Max Klinger as an example, the case study illustrates the collaboration between the art trade, heir search, and a museum. The focus will be on the themes of remembrance, exchange at the research level, and the sustainable communication of research findings. In 1905, Klinger dedicated a design for the Beethoven Throne to “Herrn Consul Nachod”. This refers to Friedrich Nachod (d. 1911) of Leipzig, who was active in the Jewish community and co-owner of a bank. In 1939, the drawing was offered to the Museum der bildenden Künste Leipzig (MdbK) by his family but ended up in private hands instead. After extensive research, Grisebach mediated an amicable settlement with the rightful heirs in 2025. This was only made possible through close collaboration with the MdbK (‘split research’) and support from the HCPO. Ahead of the autumn 2025 auction, the work’s history was not only described in the catalogue but also highlighted during the preview via an object label.