The Art Institute is trying to have it both ways with the Buddha’s repatriation. It is seeking credit for having a provenance division and returning the Buddha, but is not disclosing the involvement of its own major donors, the Alsdorfs
https://www.propublica.org/article/art-institute-chicago-returned-buddha-statue-nepal-marilynn-alsdorf
https://www.propublica.org/article/art-institute-chicago-returned-buddha-statue-nepal-marilynn-alsdorf
Comments
The provenances are gappy and unreliable.
Has the Art Institute of Chicago’s extremely close association with this source of looted art clouded its judgement?
Time for a change.
https://www.openartdata.org/2025/03/Alsdorf-provenance-Art-Institute-Chicago.html?m=1