What comes after restitution? This week, officials in Nigeria received the two Benin bronzes formerly at the MFA in a ceremonial transfer. punchng.com/fg-receives-... Meanwhile, the Museum's remaining Benin Kingdom objects have been reinstalled in our Arts of Africa gallery with a wall label.

A few favorites from the Winslow Homer show!

The world is abuzz with talk of art heists, and my friend (and art crime expert) @amamore.bsky.social's latest nonfiction book on thief Myles Connor hits shelves today. This is THE holiday season to read about art theft!

The MFA has reached a first-of-its-kind ownership resolution for 2 vessels by the enslaved potter David Drake. This restitution to his family takes its place alongside other resolutions we've reached, but it's the first that addresses theft during slavery. www.mfa.org/press-releas...

The Rachel Ruysch show is up at the MFA!

The MFA is looking for a graduate provenance research intern (2 days per week, fall 2025-spring 2026). The application period runs until August 11, and both the interview and internship will be on site. workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/defau...

The MFA has restituted 2 looted Benin objects to HRH Prince Erediauwa on behalf of the Oba of Benin. This is the MFA's 1st ownership resolution since our colonial prov project began in 2021. Rooted in prov research, the return affirms a commitment to ethical restitution. www.mfa.org/press-releas...

Van Gogh at the MFA.

I am back in Siena with a fantastic group of students from Tulane's art law program discussing provenance research, antiquities, Nazi looting, and restitution claims. If you like idyllic settings, Gothic art, espresso, and are interested in provenance research, consider joining us next year!

Our colonial-era provenance page has been updated with information about the Benin Kingdom gallery closing. There is also a linked PDF with the provenance of the loans that were returned. www.mfa.org/collections/...

There have been many questions and some confusion this week in response to news of the Benin gallery closing. This Globe editorial does a good job laying out the situation. www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/27/o...

I had a wonderful time visiting Yale this week to discuss all things provenance--and of course to enjoy the art collections and Gothic architecture in the spring. 🌷

Coming November 5, 2025

We had just a small provenance research cake in the office this year (my fault for forgetting International Provenance Research Day), which was abbreviated like a hand-annotated auction catalogue.

The MFA's Department of Provenance is looking for an intern for fall-spring 2025-2026! The internship will focus on early acquisitions in the Art of Ancient Greece and Rome. Both the interview and the internship will be on-site. workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/defau...

It's that time of year again--time to think about summer! If you are interested in art law, cultural heritage, and provenance, registration for Tulane's accredited art law program in Siena (May 25 - June 21) is open. More info at: law.tulane.edu/siena-program

🎄Merry Christmas!🎄 Artist: Raphael Kirchner

Our graduate intern made me this very tiny blank book as a holiday gift, and I just have to show it off. ☺️