US government returns painting stolen by Nazis

NEW YORK – The U.S. government has returned a painting stolen by the Nazis during World War II to the heirs of a renowned Jewish art collector.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman announced Tuesday that the 1639 work by Salomon Koninck was returned to two heirs of Jewish art collector Adolphe Schloss.

The painting titled “A Scholar Sharpening His Quill” was stolen by the Nazis in France and taken to Adolph Hitler’s personal headquarters in Munich.

Authorities say the painting resurfaced in November 2017 when a Chilean art dealer tried to sell it through a New York-based auction house. The FBI seized it until a judge authorized its release.

Berman says returning the painting restores a part of lost heritage, plundered by Nazis in a “sadistic and unjust” campaign.