Neumann exhibition inspires restitution symposium and preserves Holocaust stories

The current exhibition of works once owned by Austrian-Jewish art lover and businessman Dr. Richard Neumann presents what remains of his original collection, which was confiscated by the Nazis through forced sales and outright theft. What the Nazis Stole from Richard Neumann (and the search to get it back), on view through January 16, 2022, presents 14 paintings and sculptures from Dr. Neumann’s collection, recently reunited following his and his family's 75-year struggle to regain possession of them. With a floor-to-ceiling reproduction of the Neumanns' living room— made from a photograph of the family's Vienna home—and period-appropriate seating, visitors experience the collection from the vantage point of their guests.

A discerning collector with an eye for fine works of art, Richard Neumann (1870 –1959) believed in the obligation to promote the role of the arts in civic life. His family’s struggle for the restitution of his collection is emblematic of the challenges faced by many other Jewish collectors of that period. His family’s long-term loan of these works to the Worcester Art Museum makes it possible to carry on Neumann's legacy of sharing his collection, making it accessible to a new generation. Organizing a symposium to explore the complexities of recovering art stolen from Jewish families during World War II was a logical undertaking between WAM and the Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Clark University, a supporter of the exhibition. The academic symposium with lectures by art historians and scholars of Nazi-era provenance took place virtually on October 14. A recording of the event can be found on the exhibition's webpage. According to Marnie Weir, Director of Education and Experience at WAM, the symposium was an important way to highlight the studies, experiences, and relevance around the recovery of confiscated art. “Now more than ever, it is critical to ensure such narratives are brought to life and widely shared. Whether a scholar researching these topics, a classroom teacher making connections to K-12 curricula, or a casual visitor simply interested in learning more, we encourage all to participate and welcome the chance to collaborate with our partners in such a meaningful way,” she said. Strassler Center Executive Director Mary Jane Rein, Ph.D., who was instrumental in organizing the symposium, agrees. “The Holocaust was a vast criminal enterprise that included theft on a grand scale. Museums around the globe have abetted these crimes by holding on to looted art,” she points out. “A symposium on this subject gives WAM the opportunity to address these wrongs on behalf of the museum community and harkens back to the important work of the Monuments Men, among them George L. Stout, a former director of WAM from 1947 –1954, who rescued stolen art in the aftermath of World War II.”

Steven Schimmel, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts—also a supporter of the Neumann exhibition—believes the show is important to the Jewish community because it helps to give the Holocaust a human face and tells the story of the tragedy in a unique way. “As the last generation of Holocaust survivors passes on, it is more important now to make certain their stories are not lost. “We talk about the millions of victims of the Nazi regime, but we less often tell the narrative of who these people were,” Schimmel concludes. “The Neumann exhibition does that and, in a special way, highlights what was lost, what was taken, and how it was recovered.”

A view into the exhibition. Richard Neumann and his family in New York, 1950s.

Generous support for the exhibition is provided by the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts and anonymous donors. Additional support is provided by the Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Clark University, PEACE Fund GWCF, Marlene and David Persky, Carol and Michael Sleeper, Dr. and Mrs. Herbert Dean, Dr. Shirley S. Siff, Johanna D. Drooz Yoffie and Alan S. Yoffie, and Carol Seager. Related exhibition programming is supported by the Amelia and Robert H. Haley Memorial Lecture Fund.

Sponsored by:

Did you know?

Every exhibition and program at WAM is only possible through the generosity of people who care about the Museum and the topic being presented. Individual donors are vital, along with foundations and corporations. If you would like to learn more or offer your personal support for one of WAM’s extraordinary exhibitions or programs, please contact Karmen Bogdesic at KarmenBogdesic@worcesterart.org or 508.793.4326.