This stirring and informative documentary shines a light into a tragic chapter of history. Through the testimony of experts and survivors, it tells the story of the systematic pilfering of Jewish art collections in Germany by the Nazis, and the often-difficult path to justice for the victims.
The documentary offers detailed insights into the fate of specific collections and collectors, highlighting the artistic treasures that were snatched away and exploited. Among these, it chronicles the collection of Ernst and Agathe Saulmann, both of whom were forced to flee Germany in 1938. Their collection was entrusted to their regular art dealer, Julius Böhler, who promptly sold it off for his own benefit. The Saulmanns received none of the proceeds, and were ultimately interned in a French concentration camp. Even today, the provenance of their collection remains an ongoing challenge for restitution specialists. Through interviews and archival footage, the film paints a vivid portrait of a dark moment in history, and the tireless efforts of those who seek to make amends.
