Internet Documentation on Berlin Art Auctions from 1933 to 1945
Facts & Files compiled a database on Berlin auctions of art and cultural assets between 1933 and 1945. The auction files are preserved at the Berlin State Archives. The record group is the Berlin branch of the Reich’s Chamber of Fine Arts (Reichskammer für bildende Künste, Landesleitung Berlin).
The Berlin Head Office of the Reich’s Chamber of Fine Arts was established in 1935. Around this time, the auctioneers had to declare their planned auctions to the Reich’s Chamber of Fine Arts and the Chief of Police. These declarations contain lists about vendors and objects. There is a variety of works of art listed among the declared objects, including some pieces of higher value. Some files include correspondence regarding both auctions and also single objects. The files also contain catalogues and partial auction result lists, including the names of the purchasers and hammer prices.
The documents were used to handle restitution claims at the Berlin branch and were moved from there to the Berlin State Archive in 1989. The archival holding contains 77 files, which are completely microfilmed. The files cover the period between 1935 and 1944 inclusive.
The data base is published online at: www.lostart.de
The Lost Art Database www.lostart.de collects and documents information about the search and finding of cultural property. It is operated by the German Lost Art Foundation.