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Art Theft Since World War II

NCJ Number
174873
Journal
Journal of Financial Crime Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: August 1997 Pages: 39-44
Author(s)
C Lowenthal
Date Published
1997
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the multifaceted nature of art theft and distinguishes different types.
Abstract
Types of art theft include spoils of war, cultural property or heritage, common law theft and conversion. The article reviews some instances that go back more than 50 years, for historical perspective that should illuminate the present. It also examines some of the societal changes in the post-war era that have affected the growth and perception of art theft. New nations, some with Marxist economies that philosophically disdain the idea of profit, are also eager to display cultural nationalism in museums and with laws to protect cultural heritage items and archaeological sites. The market, however, wants to trade in those same items, make a profit and show the artifacts as examples of human creativity. Common law art theft is removal by stealth or force, such as burglary, breaking and entering, shoplifting or armed robbery. International transportation and communications and the variety of outmoded and ineffective laws make the art world particularly vulnerable to this kind of theft.

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