The heirs and great-grandchildren of Jewish Belgian art collector Samuel Hartveld are set to receive a painting by Henry Gibbs, nearly 85 years after it was looted by the Nazis during World War II.
The painting, titled “Aeneas and His Family Fleeing Burning Troy”, is currently held in the Tate collection and was among 66 artworks that once belonged to Hartveld, a prominent collector in Antwerp. Hartveld and his wife were forced to flee Belgium in May 1940, leaving behind their treasured possessions, many of which were later looted and sold by the German authorities.
After extensive research by the Spoliation Advisory Panel, the UK government has approved the restitution of the painting to the Sonia Klein Trust, representing Hartveld’s heirs.
Officials Welcome the Restitution Decision
Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant praised the decision, stating:
“The case of Samuel Hartveld is a perfect example of the Spoliation Advisory Panel’s mission—helping families reclaim their most treasured possessions stolen during the Nazi era. The return of this painting is absolutely the right decision.”
Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate, emphasized the museum’s commitment to justice:
“It is a profound privilege to help reunite this work with its rightful heirs. Although the artwork’s provenance was investigated when acquired in 1994, key details of its history were unknown at the time. We are honored to now return it.”
The trustees of the Sonia Klein Trust expressed deep gratitude, acknowledging the work of the Spoliation Advisory Panel, Tate Britain, and historian Geert Sels, whose research uncovered the painting’s history.
Historic Restitution Efforts
Since its establishment in 2000, the Spoliation Advisory Panel has handled 23 claims, leading to the restitution of 14 artworks to the heirs of their original owners.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by European institutions to restore stolen cultural heritage and recognize the injustices suffered by Jewish families during the Holocaust.
