Present since 1951 in the reserves of the Chateau de Versailles, this notebook is actually a work looted by the Nazis in 1940. Information revealed by the investigative unit of Radio France.
A small notebook of 66 pages, filled with sketches and notes from the painter Jacques-Louis David, a major figure of the French Revolution, is causing controversy. It is the preparatory work for his famous unfinished painting The Tennis Court Oath.
For Laurent Salomé, director of the Chateau de Versailles museum, the situation is unprecedented: «This notebook was not looted from a persecuted family, nor was it found in Germany after the war. The report made in 1945 did not match the object we have, which has followed a life of collection to collection.«
The museum acquired the notebook in 1951 from a German art dealer considered reliable at the time.
The case resurfaced when a descendant of the owner of the work, Joseph B., stumbled upon the presence of the notebook in the collections of Versailles by chance. Alerted, Radio France reconstructed the provenance of the notebook from public documents: diplomatic archives, databases of the Shoah Memorial, and looted libraries.
According to initial analyses, it is «quite probable» that the notebook kept at Versailles is indeed the one declared looted in 1945. The Ministry of Culture also mentions «a significant body of evidence.»
The case is not isolated. Despite systematic checks, the question of provenance remains meticulous work.
At Versailles, three curators are tasked with examining the origins of the artworks, especially those acquired between 1933 and 1945.
For Margaux Dumas, an art historian specializing in looting: «Museums now have a real awareness. Missions and dedicated units exist in the ministry and institutions. The work is not perfect but has truly progressed over the past decade.«
Former senator Corinne Bouchoux, author of a landmark report on looted works, confirms: «This case is emblematic. It will be necessary to investigate the provenance of all assets purchased since 1933. The art market of that time was largely infiltrated by Nazi dignitaries.«
Cover of Jacques-Louis David’s notebook
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© France 3 Ile-de-France
The Chateau de Versailles is now calling on the descendants of the owner to come forward to formally confirm the identification of the notebook.
About ten specialists are already working on this provenance. Ultimately, the investigation could lead to compensation or restitution.
Meanwhile, another notebook by Jacques-Louis David is currently on display at the Louvre Museum. It celebrates the 200th anniversary of the painter’s death.
A report by A.Blacher/F.Castaingts/L.Bleuzen
La direction du musée a été surprise par une découverte inattendue. La direction du musée a été surprise par une découverte.
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