Restitution
Christie’s announces the application window is open for the Christie’s Grant for Nazi-era Provenance Research 2026.
For the fourth consecutive year, Christie’s is supporting early years academics researching the art losses and spoliation of the Nazi era 1933 - 1945. Thirty years on from seminal publications and initiatives illuminating how Jewish collectors, families, museums, libraries and institutions were robbed of their possessions, either through plunder or state-sanctioned actions, new information continues to come to the fore. Much of this new research is the result of the engagement, mission and commitment of emerging academics and researchers. In 2026, Christie’s is offering 4 grants of £5,000 to current and continuing post-graduate students and 1 grant of £2,000 to an undergraduate student with a developing interest in this field and related future post-graduate studies in mind. Please see below on how to apply.
Les enfants Weil au salon (Etude pour Madame Weil et ses enfants, EDOUARD VUILLARD (1868-1940). Sold pursuant to a settlement agreement between the seller and the heirs of Prosper-Émile Weil and Juliette Weil, May 2026.
Grant selection panel 2026
Christie’s is working with leading experts in the field to serve on the selection panel to identify this year’s Grant recipients. We are delighted to be working with:
Anne Webber, CBE, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Commission for Looted Art in Europe (CLAE)
Marc Masurovsky, Co-Founder of the Holocaust Art Restitution Project (HARP)
Antonia V. Bartoli, Curator of Provenance Research, Yale University Art Gallery
Pia Schölnberger, Director, Commission for Provenance Research, Austrian Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport
Margaux Dumas, Independent Consultant, Provenance Research, Restitution & Art Market Compliance
Sarah Done, International Restitution Director, Christie’s
The variety, curiosity and strength of engagement demonstrated in grant applications and throughout the interview stages underlines a powerful commitment to researching Nazi-era losses and why this is still a vital sphere for research.”—Sarah Done, International Restitution Director, Christie’s
Waldlandschaft, OTTO MUELLER (1874-1930). Sold pursuant to a settlement agreement between the seller and the heirs of Alfred and Tekla Hess, April 2023.
How to apply
Application criteria are as follows and the closing date for receipt of applications is 10 July 2026 via email to RestitutionGrant@christies.com. Early applications are encouraged and can be from students in art history or with an interdisciplinary interest in Nazi-era related provenance research. Applications should include the following:
- An outline of current or proposed research topic (1,000 – 2,000 words), including date of thesis submission
- Confirmation of enrolment at an academic institution on a post-graduate course (Masters or Ph.D studies) or undergraduate course, with date of anticipated completion clearly indicated
- Curriculum vitae
- Two academic referees
- An outline on how financial support – up to £5,000 or equivalent in currency of recipient - would be helpful in ensuring completion of studies. Please note that grants should be spent within 18 months of receipt. Grants may cover institutional/tuition fees, research-related costs or to assist open access publication. Please include any additional information you feel relevant on how this this grant would make a difference in supporting your studies
Christie’s commitment to expanding scholarship underpins our commitment to the next generation of provenance research and restitution. It is deeply gratifying to announce Christie’s Grant for Nazi-era Provenance Research for the third time."—Marc Porter, Christie’s Chairman
Past grant recipients
2024 grant recipients
Discover the recipients of the 2024 Christie’s Grant for Nazi-era Provenance Research.
2023 grant recipients
Recipients of the 2023 Christie’s Grant for Nazi-era Provenance Research reflect on how this funding has furthered their scholarship.