The Art Institute of Chicago faces significant legal challenges in retaining a Nazi-looted drawing by Egon Schiele. Manhattan Judge Althea Drysdale ruled that Manhattan prosecutors can pursue looted art pieces passing through the city, regardless of their current location. The drawing, stolen from Fritz Grünbaum, was the subject of a lengthy legal battle, where the court criticized the Art Institute for inadequately verifying its ownership history. This decision empowers Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg to claim jurisdiction over such cases, representing a pivotal moment in the recovery of stolen artworks.
This Court cannot conclude that Respondent's inquiries into the provenance of Russian War Prisoner were reasonable, highlighting the Art Institute's negligence in verifying ownership.
Judge Drysdale's ruling is monumental for the world because it establishes jurisdiction for stolen art if it ever passes through New York City.
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