Watch CBS News

LACMA Debuts Exhibit Of Painting Seized In Nazi Occupation Of Italy

LACMA_008 2
(credit: LACMA)

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com/AP) — A Baroque-era painting looted by the Nazis in 1944 was returned last week to its owner, who promptly announced plans to donate it to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, her former employer.

KNX 1070's Brian Ping reports the life-size figure of St. Catherine of Alexandria, painted in Italy around 1615 by Bernardo Strozzi, was installed Monday in LACMA's galleries for European art.

LACMA Debuts Exhibit Of Painting Seized In Nazi Occupation Of Italy

The painting, valued at up to $3 million, is a promised gift to the museum by Philippa Calnan, the original owner's sole direct descendant, according to the Los Angeles Times. Calnan is a retired public affairs director at LACMA.

"She always intended the work would be available to the public, especially the Los Angeles public," LACMA spokeswoman Miranda Carroll said.

The masterpiece is now on display on the museum's third floor.

The work, known for its iridescent color and theatrical side-lighting, turned up on the art market five years ago. On Friday, an Italian court ordered it returned to Calnan.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.