German Panel Says Medieval Treasure Should Not Be Returned to Heirs of Jewish Owners

THE NEW YORK TIMES | ARTSBEAT
By Melissa Eddy

Domed reliquiary from the Welfenschatz, Cologne, late 12th century at Bode-Museum

GERMANY---A medieval ecclesiastical treasure acquired by the Prussian state in 1935 and later presented by Hermann Göring to Hitler as a “surprise gift” was legally purchased from a consortium of Jewish art dealers, whose heirs have no rightful claim at restitution, a panel convened by the German government said Thursday. The panel recommended that the 42 jewel-encrusted, intricately wrought silver and gold crucifixes, altars and other relics of the Guelph Treasure should remain in the possession of the state-run foundation, Stiftung Preussische Kulturbesitz, that oversees several museums in Berlin. The treasure, estimated to be worth between $248 million and $276 million, is on display in the Bode Museum in Berlin and is considered one of the main attractions in the foundation’s collection. [link]