Lawsuit Against Santa Barbara Museum of Art over Nazi-Looted Drawing Dropped
Heirs of Jewish Cabaret Singer Killed in Concentration Camp Voluntarily Dismiss Case for Reasons Still Unclear
The heirs of a Jewish cabaret singer and art collector killed in the Holocaust have dropped their claim against the Santa Barbara Museum of Art over a drawing they say was stolen from their late relative by the Nazis, sold into the New York dealers’ market, and ultimately gifted to the museum by one of its founders.
The reason for the voluntary dismissal in early August is unclear. Attorneys for the heirs of Franz Friedrich ‘Fritz’ Grünbaum, who have successfully sued other art institutions for the return of pieces from his scattered collection, declined to comment. Some legal observers speculate the drawing ― a small pencil on paper sketch by Austrian expressionist Egon Schiele ― is now also in the process of being returned.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art spokesperson Katrina Carl said she was unable to speak about the case. “Things surrounding this matter are in process, and we should be able to make a statement when all is resolved,” she said.
