Friederike and Siegfried HERZEL

The examination of the entry “22.8.39 through State Buildings Administration from 18. Sternwartestraße 59” in the MAK inventory showed that the address was that of a private residence that had belonged to Friederike Herzel, the jeweler Siegfried Herzel’s wife. The Herzel family had escaped to the USA in 1938, the villa being Arianized by a Nazi official. After inspection of the villa’s furniture by members of the MAK staff, five pieces were assigned to the museum. One of the objects was lost during the last days of the war.

On 1 June 2007, the Commission recommended to restitute the remaining four objects.

The objects were returned on 11 August 2008.

Armchair

walnut, with pressed leather covering, Italy, 17th century / restituted

Friederike and Siegfried HERZEL

PROVENANCE RESEARCH AND RESTITUTION AT THE MAK