Restitution of Nazi-Confiscated Art in the Czech Republic

Abstract

The following paper describes and critically evaluates the approach of the contemporary Czech Republic to the restitution of works of art confiscated under the pressure of Nazi-persecution. This is achieved by a brief analysis of the legislation and general restitution case law before the adoption of Act No. 212/2000 Coll., as amended, and by a summary of the international principles on Nazi-confiscated Art, which are then compared with the recent Czech approach. The focus is placed on law regulation and related case law, references to foreign experience are rather illustrative. Finally, the Czech legislation is briefly evaluated and some ‘de lege ferenda’ proposals as well as some practical recommendations for institutions holding Czech state collections are given.