Deal entails 1886 Nazi-looted work to flit between Paris, U.S.

An 1886 painting that was stolen as part of a Nazi looting campaign that stretched across Europe during the Second World War has been transferred to Paris from the University of Oklahoma.

The painting, Shepherdess Bringing in Sheep, will be on display at the French museum, Musee d’Orsay, for five years before returning to the university in alternating three-year intervals, The Oklahoman reported.

The rotating display arrangement is part of an agreement between the university and Leone Meyer, whose father, Raoul Meyer, owned the painting during the German occupation of Paris during the Second World War.

“Decisions made on behalf of the university throughout this detailed process have maintained great sensitivity to the history behind the painting as well as the families involved,” University of Oklahoma President David Boren said.

Part of collection

Leone Meyer sued the university to recover the painting, which has been with the university since 2000. The varsity acquired the painting as part of a collection left to the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art by Clara Weitzenhoffer, the widow of Oklahoma oilman Aaron Weitzenhoffer.

The settlement reached acknowledges Leone Meyer’s inheritance rights and determined the Weitzenhoffer family acted in good faith in acquiring the painting and sending it to the university.