Arts Nazis Stole Goes on Exhibit

Authorities in France and Israel are attempting to return paintings seized by Nazis during World War II to families to whom they belong, and have organized an exhibit of 50 “orphaned” works in Israel to solicit rightful claims. The tranquil themes of many of the works in the exhibit, “Looking for Owners,” contrast sharply with their ownership histories, the Los Angeles Times reports.

"If the paintings could speak, they would tell the real story of looting and robbery, and, of course, the extermination of millions," one Israeli minister said. Museum officials say the works have been researched extensively over the years, so chances of being claimed at the show are slim—but they remain hopeful restitution will be made, if only in a few cases. (More Israel stories.)