Rethinking Provenance Research: A New Opportunity of Cultural Collaboration between Germany and Lithuania

In 2014, the tribunal of Vilnius forced the State of Lithuania to return to the Federal Republic of Germany and the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation two paintings by Antonio Campi and Adolf von Menzel held by the Lithuanian Art Museum in Vilnius for more than 50 years. Despite the fact that these paintings are already returned to their owners, this case raises multiple questions. What were the trading routes, networks and intermediaries involved in their transfer from Berlin and Potsdam (Soviet Occupation Zone) to Vilnius? The archival and the provenance research revealed some facts concerning their temporary ownership in the hands of private collectors and/or antique dealers. There could be more cases of looted assets from Germany. The aim of this presentation is to provide an overview of the challenges related to international exchanges and cooperation across all kinds of borders as well as the forthcoming opportunities related to the provenance research.