Europe

Painting by French artist Nicolas Rousseau re-turned to France through French Embassy in Berlin

On July 23rd, 2019, Berlin resident Peter Forner has handed over to the Embassy a painting by the French artist, which had been in the family since WWII

July 24th, 2019
Greta Isola, News from Berlin
20190724_Painting by French artist Nicolas Rousseau.jpg

The painting has been returned by elderly German Peter Forner, whose father was en-trusted with the artwork during the Second World War, and being unable to return it at the time, he brought it to his home, where it has remained until today.

The painting by Nicolas Rousseau was originally given to Alfred Forner, Peter Forner’s father, who was stationed in Normandy during the War. In September 1944, the man was given the duty, by his superior, to return the painting, which was of unclear origins. Nevertheless, the building where Forner was supposed to deliver the painting had been destroyed, and hence the man decided to bring it to his home.

The painting therefore remained with the Forner family until the present day, when Afred’s son Peter, who is now 80 years old, decided to hand it over to the French state. Forner has in fact decided to do so by contacting the French Embassy in Berlin, and delivering it to the French Ambassador to Germany Anne-Marie Descôtes. Forner declared that he wanted to give back something that did not belong to him, as he wanted a clear conscience due to his old age. He jokingly added that he would clearly not have done the same had it been a work by Monet.

The French state has expressed its gratitude to Peter Forner and it is hoping to discover the identity of the original owner of the painting.

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News from Berlin