Even if an object was not looted, its provenance provides an insight into history. The Rijksmuseum’s collection primarily reveals the stories of collectors from 1933 to 1945, which means that research into this collection cannot capture a complete picture of all persecuted owners. Many everyday objects did not find their way into museums or are challenging to identify. Nonetheless, the objects in the Rijksmuseum remind us of the diversity of pre-war Europe. Provenance research shows how those targeted by the Nazis were vital to shaping Dutch heritage, with the museum objects still standing as silent witnesses to their cultural legacy.
Getting started with the collection: