The Linz collection in the Kupferstich-Kabinett at the SKD

The aim of the project was to systematically research the Linz collection in the Kupferstich-Kabinett (Cabinet of Prints, Drawings and Photographs) at the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (SKD) and clarify the provenance of works as far as possible. This was achieved to an extent that exceeded expectations.

The investigations revealed that the Linz collection in the Kupferstich-Kabinett at the SKD contains a number of print collections that were owned by non-Jewish private collectors in Germany and which were purchased for the “Sonderauftrag Linz” (Linz Special Mission). The vendors’ often extensive correspondence with the Sonderauftrag Linz enabled not only their identities to be determined, but also information about each collection history and about the motives for selling to be obtained. These were relatively late sales by non-Jewish owners who offered their collections—which had been largely or entirely compiled before 1933—to the Sonderauftrag of their own free will, as far as can be ascertained. With a probability bordering on certainty, it was possible to rule out confiscation as a result of Nazi persecution for around half of the holdings examined. Indications of confiscation by the Nazis were determined for only five graphic prints.

Regarding the 415 drawings, it was possible to establish that a small quantity without a Linz number almost certainly did not belong to the Sonderauftrag Linz collection. Of the remaining drawings, which most definitely belong to the Linz collection, all but 10 could be evidenced in accounting records. Indications of confiscation in the context of persecution were determined for five drawings.

It was initially unclear whether 11 books belonged to the Linz collection, but purchasing records belonging to art dealers were found which meant it could then be proven that the books were indeed part of the Linz collection.

As expected, in many cases it was possible to find out only about the art dealer who had passed artworks to the Sonderauftrag. This was particularly true for the hand drawings. However, many drawings also came directly from private owners, meaning that the vendor and the former owner are the same. A not inconsiderable proportion were acquired at auctions. In 48 cases, the auction catalog provided information about previous owners (in abbreviated or encrypted form); in two cases the names of the previous owners were also given unencrypted. With regard to the auctioned prints, further information on provenance could also be obtained from the auction catalogs.

All the research results relating to works from the so-called Linz collection in the Kupferstich-Kabinett at the SKD have been documented in the form of dossiers and include relevant archival sources etc. These dossiers have been transferred to the SKD’s database, which ensures the project results are protected. The results reflecting the state of knowledge as at March 2012 will be expanded as findings increase.

(c) Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden