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Supreme Court Orders Return of Stolen Modigliani Painting

4/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

New York Supreme Court ordered 1918 Modigliani painting 'Seated Man With a Cane' returned to Oscar Stettiner's estate after an 11-year battle.
Judge Joel M. Cohen ruled Stettiner owned the work before Nazi confiscation.
The painting changed hands after 1948 and was bought by International Art Center in 1996.
The ruling concludes the estate retains ownership despite Nahmad family claims, following the 2015 suit by Philippe Maestracci aided by Mondex.

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Story summary

New York Supreme Court ordered 1918 Modigliani painting 'Seated Man With a Cane' returned to Oscar Stettiner's estate after an 11-year battle.
Judge Joel M. Cohen ruled Stettiner owned the work before Nazi confiscation.
The painting changed hands after 1948 and was bought by International Art Center in 1996.
The ruling concludes the estate retains ownership despite Nahmad family claims, following the 2015 suit by Philippe Maestracci aided by Mondex.