The Art Market during the Nazi Occupation

The art market in France was surprisingly flourishing under the Occupation. Almost two million works of art changed hands between 1940 and 1944. Over 35,000 trains left Paris loaded with artwork and spoliated objects, in particular those belonging to Jewish families. What practices and what networks did those in the art market put in place during this five-year period? Who were they? What role did the French national museums play in this market? The art market in France was surprisingly flourishing under the Occupation. Almost two million works of art changed hands between 1940 and 1944. Over 35,000 trains left Paris loaded with artwork and spoliated objects, in particular those belonging to Jewish families. What practices and what networks did those in the art market put in place during this five-year period? Who were they? What role did the French national museums play in this market?