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Court Orders Return of Modigliani Painting to Heirs After 11-Year Battle

4/8/2026

22 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The New York Supreme Court ordered Modigliani's "Seated Man with a Cane" returned to the heirs of Oscar Stettiner, a Jewish art dealer, after an 11-year case led by his grandson Philippe Maestracci against the Nahmad family.
Judge Joel M. Cohen (New York Supreme Court) dismissed the Nahmad family's defense, citing a 1946 French ruling and evidence of theft.
Maestracci expressed satisfaction, and his lawyer criticized the Nahmad family's delay.

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Story summary

The New York Supreme Court ordered Modigliani's "Seated Man with a Cane" returned to the heirs of Oscar Stettiner, a Jewish art dealer, after an 11-year case led by his grandson Philippe Maestracci against the Nahmad family.
Judge Joel M. Cohen (New York Supreme Court) dismissed the Nahmad family's defense, citing a 1946 French ruling and evidence of theft.
Maestracci expressed satisfaction, and his lawyer criticized the Nahmad family's delay.