Importing art from outside EU will become more difficult
A new EU regulation requires anyone wishing to import cultural goods into the EU to have an import license or submit an importer’s declaration. When is which type of document …
African mask turns out to be worth millions. Can the seller undo the sale?
An African mask that was sold for 150 euros fetched 4.2 million euros at an auction. Were the French sellers able to undo the sale? How would this case have …
Crimean gold returns to Ukraine
After nine years, it is finally clear to whom the Crimean treasures should go. According to the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, they should go to the state of Ukraine, …
Proper management by museums essential to prevent art theft
News that an employee had allegedly stolen artefacts from the British Museum prompted Dutch television programme Nieuwsuur to interview Paul W.L. Russell, LL.M. As such thefts are rather common, it …
Recommendation to Dutch Supreme Court: Return Crimean treasures to Ukraine
The dispute about the Crimean treasures is coming to a conclusion after nine years. As the advocate general has given his opinion, it is now up to the Supreme Court …
Measures to preserve and enrich Dutch cultural heritage remain inadequate
At the last minute, in 2022, the Dutch government issued its response to the advice of the Committee Collection Netherlands (Buma Committee). What are the proposals? What consequences will they …
What are the consequences of the new Digital Second-hand Dealers Register for the art trade?
Will art dealers now have to be more concerned with administration than with their trade because of the Digital Second-hand Dealers Register? And what does this mean for the rest …
Restitution of Nazi-looted art
World War II is history. For over 75 years. But not for everyone. As an international art lawyer, Paul Russell regularly deals with the consequences of the horrific actions of …
Committee Collection Netherlands hits collectors and art dealers
The long expected advice by the Buma Committee concerning the protection of essential Dutch cultural heritage has been issued. Its content is bad news for collectors and art dealers active …
Auction house is reimbursed for 30,000 euros in storage costs
A buyer at a French auction house was ordered by a Dutch court to pay € 30,000 for storing drawings for two years. That is almost as much as he …