The Mystery of the Modigliani Masterpiece - the fifth estate

[@HibHab69]

I think it is so sad that those painting are just being stowed in a vault, not used for museums or anything. Just as pieces of literal wealth.

[@royboyx2]

You're right, it is sad. It's also sad that, approx. three quarters of the world's visual art legacy abides in the dark vaults, not of super-rich speculators and investors, but in the hands of museums and other large cultural institutions where they may rarely, if ever, see the light of day or the appreciative gaze of an aesthetically starved and stultified, general public. This occurs, for various reasons, ranging from the logistically valid to the whimsically arbitrary tastes of a cultural elite, whom imperiously rule, both, the design features of the exhibition-space and the numerically paltry amount of actual art hanging in overpriced and vastly underused surroundings. This all, is usually funded by taxpayers and charitable foundations, to a lesser extent. If you're interested, go to the rental dept. of any large public art institution and survey the great amount of art, stored there, and which is available for a fee, then compare, by contrast, the meager number of artworks actually gracing the public viewing areas.

[@SCOTTYPization]

bjhodge8 I agree that great art should be shown in a Museum for the enjoyment of each and every person in the world. The fact is that the person who bought the painting can still be the owner of the Modigliani piece whilst at the same time showing it in a reputable safe both in terms of security and proper conditions, I.e. air temperature, security guards and alarm systems. This person is obviously a self aggrandizing selfish pr@ck.

[@KerryRussellRN]

Bravo Ken and a huge THANK YOU to The Fifth Estate!! Amadeo Modigliani is my favorite artist....I was so thrilled to read about the raid. This painting should be given back. A huge thanks to everyone who fights for the just return of looted art and having courage to stand up against corruption, greed and hate.

[@katnic8030]

Excellent programme! I will be hoping that this painting is returned to its rightful owners.

[@FIONA21ful]

Haaaahaa That awful lawyer lost his composure big time in the face of written proof . Thst reaction made his client look very bad .... Sacked! 😁

[@---cr8nw]

The lawyer was right, though. The painting was owned by a company, the International Art Centre, not by David Nahmad. Who owns the International Art Centre is irrelevant to a lawsuit against Nahmad as an individual. The whole point of companies is to create and structure a legal entity separate from the owners and/or investors. For example, if you work for Microsoft and get hurt on the job, you don't sue Bill Gates. It doesn't matter whether he owns Microsoft in whole, in part, or not at all. He, as an individual, isn't liable for what happens at the company unless a court deems it prudent and appropriate to "pierce the veil".

[@---cr8nw]

They should be suing the International Art Centre, not Nahmad.

[@stando4680]

- - It’s relevant. Nahmad’s defense from the lawsuit was that IAC owned the painting, not by them. It turns out Nahmad is the IAC and therefore owns the painting

[@katewild2194]

Just goes to show Christies had the audacity to list in the providence that the painting was sold at auction cir 1940-1945 to say that is a big red flag is an understatement.

[@lekkki1]

Exactly. Christies is the biggest enabler in the high-end art market.

[@kimincannes]

Agreed. VERY SUS!!!

[@sailorgirl2017]

The arrogance of the New York attorney is appalling! So typical!

[@katnic8030]

So true, what an obnoxious man. Shameful.

[@melissabeckham6917]

He thinks if he lies with conviction it becomes the truth. What a lowly person.

[@davidc3839]

Sailor Girl, that is exactly what I came here to say. His arrogance seeps out as he speaks. Righting the wrongs of the holocaust and the thefts of the second world war is very important - buy art so cheaply at that time the buyer would know it was likely stolen.

[@williemays2]

--- cool it with the anti-semitic canards -----

[@stephengreico504]

I’m sure an elite liberal

[@kimincannes]

WOW!!! What a story... I am encouraged to dive deeper. So many twists and turns. I can only speak for myself, but if I had acquired a priceless piece of art, and it was of great sentimental value to the artist's family, and I owned countless others, I would certainly give it to the family, with the stipulation it could never be sold. Just my thoughts and opinion, but this is the first ever info I have on this particular topic. Very interesting, indeed.

[@donnaconn3579]

Shame on anyone who keeps works of art from the world!

[@KimKim-pp5fn]

wrong ! as soon as a person buys a painting it s up to that person either to keep it privately or to put on display

[@billpiechocki]

It's sinful that all of that art, those masterpieces should be locked uo, and hidden away. So sad.

[@joycerabbitt4362]

I loved watching the lawyer squirming at the end. The truth always hurts and he responded with typical anger. What is his cut? What goes around...

[@juancarlosroth9977]

Nice investigative job by CBC, congratulations.

[@mwmk4764]

some paintings are really force you to watch again and again and this is one of it

[@DeboraNorton]

Such a liar, the NY lawyer. YOu can tell by his body language how uncomfortable he became as the discussion became heated about who was behind all of it. Of course the documents are relevant! Think of how he would be reacting if the documents showed his opinion was the truth. Ha!

[@deettekearns9092]

Richard Golub stated that his client doesn’t even own the painting. Yet, it is pointed out to him that his client own’s the company who bought the painting. Then he said, “It doesn’t matter.” How embarrassingly unprofessional and at the same time making his client look guilty. If this ever goes to court, he’d better be better prepared than he was for this interview. In addition, why would he agree to be interviewed for a news program about an ongoing lawsuit to begin with? And when given written proof, he blubbers and huffs and puffs and walks out. Actions speak louder than words, buddy.

[@tccandler]

It is tough to choose sides... the millionaires or the billionaires... both of whom are hoarding wealth. I hope they are both okay in the end. It must be hard for them.

[@jennifertaylor2893]

This is a great story! I hope the fifth estate will investigate cases of missing Canadian Art that have occurred in Toronto in the past few years. Toronto Police have no dedicated art theft department. Does this make Toronto an ideal location to launder money?

[@wheresnika]

17:49 "no, they're not" fantastic argument xD

[@willalwaystelehandler8450]

Great video great finders well done people,, Great Artist great name

[@stefanodonnofreewebtv]

His life was short, but his art left an indelible mark on history. Why does Modigliani continue to fascinate us today? Discover why he is considered one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. #Modigliani #Icon #ModernArt #Legends

[@stevenedwards4470]

That lawyer in New York is really gross. He knows hes cornered and he starts babbling like Trump. I'd be embarrassed as a professional

[@madArt1981]

I’ve said it a million times, Corporations should never be given legal individual rights.

[@waxeye6488]

Great doco, thanks!

[@mpking-ey7ys]

Ok, just get angry and make up hyperbolic comparison like men on Pluto when the argument is not going the direction you want.

[@katarzynamariamuszynska2811]

So sad He dies at 36 years old His lover been pregnant with 2 child 8 months jumped out of window after he dies ,she was only 21 And it was little girl ,I think 2 years who lost father,mother and sister or a brother she never met, imagine that !

[@deettekearns9092]

Didn’t Christie’s need the provenance to accept the painting for auction? It sounds a bit murky.

[@tessarix]

The dude talking about the Modigliani painting looks just like someone Modigliani would have painted way back then. His sort of strange head shape, interesting eyes and eyebrows,lips - very much like the painting he shows and speaks of in this video! lol Do you guys see the resemblance too?

[@olivierdk2]

Art is one of the easiest way to launder money.

[@helgaklussmann8996]

As usual, the Fifth Estate has delivered an even handed, excellently researched investigative programme. Kudos to all journalists and staff. However; I think this excellent programme should at least consult on the pronunciation of foreign words. Süddeutsche Zeitung (the paper which received the leaked info) was mangled beyond recognition. I realize it's a very insignificant point, but it would add sophistication to the reporting if they would prononce their colleagues' names properly.

[@mattsanta2396]

The lawyers tactics include. .. ridicule , alienation, and worst of all invalidation. ... 🤔

[@yobrock1617]

The real tragedy is that this painting is locked in a vault in Switzerland. A billionaire who basically owns a major portion of the major art world has decided he doesn't care who the rightful owner of the painting is so he will just keep it locked away in a vault. Now the world is robbed of this art because this billionare has the power and money to play a never ending game of charades. POS

[@Imsteppenwolf]

That New York lawyer gets very abrasive for no reason...

[@gdhse3]

The gentleman and the portrait looks like the owner!

[@Tiger-zo2gn]

These paintings should be the property of the people and put on display in museums for all people to enjoy. It was bought with money made from criminal activities in the first place. It is the only fair way to settle it.

[@inigojuancarlos]

That liar, err, lawyer! Ha!

[@jmj7599]

that guy's defensiveness says it all: guilty!

[@mystrength5640]

I do believe it should go to the rightful owner, the grandson, of Mr Stetner!

[@gregorygarcia7807]

"Where did all the young men's hair go... long time pass... long time ago..."

[@pjlewisful]

As all the original owners are dead I think that any museums who paid for these works and are sharing the view of them to everyone should keep them. The ancestors or relatives are not entitled to them unless they paid for them themselves. Unfortunate and very sad situation, but true.

[@joannemiddaugh122]

What kind of weird logic is that? So, you are saying that if someone stole a diamond engagement ring from you, for example, and then sold it to someone else, then it belongs to that person because he/she paid the thief? Also, Stettner's grandson, as his heir is the rightful owner unless Stettner actually sold the painting during the war. That's how the law regarding inheritance works.

[@mattsanta2396]

I think she works for the museum

[@parisbreakfast]

Namad saying he will give it up if they show him a bill of sale! Hahaha 🤣

[@jennifers6435]

It does not belong to the public..even though we would all love to see it. It belongs to Stedman

[@isbsey]

"It's as relevant as the people who live on Pluto" Isn't the ownership what is in dispute? How more relevant can it be? Phew!! I thought that lawyer was going to blow a gasket!! In other words "Whatever proof you bring forward, whatever you say, if I don't agree with it ......it's irrelevant!" AND ...... It is disgusting that art work to fill 2 museums is hidden away from human sight!

[@dawnarobertson9577]

Christie’s selling stolen merchandise? Documents supporting Stettner’s ownership “depend on a point of view”? Filthy rich people lacking integrity? The only facetiousness here are the question marks.

[@katarzynamariamuszynska2811]

Honestly i believe the painting should be given to only right owners... his daughter And of the day She lost her father very young ,mother who committ suiciade when she was 8 months pregnant after Modigiliani dies and sister or brother She never met So painting should be give to his only daughter

[@fredvincent3553]

not that low: 1940's 16000 Francs are nowadays' 5 million francs once converted.

[@nhlsens3880]

and not low at all for what was historically sold at the time of the war. It is not a particularly attractive painting to begin with as well. Lots of million dollar paintings have sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars at the time of the holocaust

[@supremereader7614]

Maybe it was bad luck to own it. After David Nahmad bought it, the Panama Papers revealed his company and off shore tax records.

[@spilledtea6569]

im getting goosebumps

[@paco1443]

What if Steittener sold the painting in the 30's?

[@nunya2954]

Maybe that building will burn down and that will be the end of that

[@katarzynamariamuszynska2811]

Who will pays so much money for a painting ????

[@katarzynamariamuszynska2811]

He should gives to the daugther ,but i think She passed away

[@harriyama]

20:04 "fog of woar"

[@jltrem]

The lawyer=weasel.

[@mikechabot-c7u]

Vous pourrai trouver des œuvres inédit, d'artiste reconnue, de valeurs inestimable au Québec. Je suis collectionneur d'œuvre critiqué et sans signature (dédicace) depuis plus de 30 ans. J'ai maintenant 60 ans, aucune succession pour profité de mes recherches et, à la recherche de consultant(e)s pour présenté l'œuvre et la faire connaître au grand public. je demande pas d'argent, juste des vrais curieux intéresser qui ont à cœur les dessous de l'art, intéresser comme moi à retourné dans son ensemble une oeuvre créer par l'artiste. J'ai dans cette collection (200+) se qui m'apparait être un Matisse, Rubens, Miro, Clee, Klimt, Hokusai et plusieurs autre que j'ai oublier. Bien entendue tous ces dons ne se ferrons pas sans condition, se qui impliqueras de me contacter et attendre ma décision. Si cette offre intéresse des musés, ces musé devrons être à l'extérieur du Canada et, il devrons avoir 50 ans d'âge. Intéresser veuillez me joindre sur [e-mail]

[@robinashleyjones12]

The opening sounds like what will happen to immigrants across the globe with a trump presidency

[@katarzynamariamuszynska2811]

Why this american lawyer gets angry when they show him a documents ,proofs...

[@nelsonx5326]

That painting is a masterpiece? The art world is a con job.

[@DeboraNorton]

Way too much momey being spent on the wrong things- think of all the good that could be achieved if it were spend on taking care of clean water and free energy.

[@Frugustin]

The most Jewish dispute imaginable.

[@Denden-io5rw]

wow those pictures are seducing iam sure he enjoyed himself too lol, never the less what a legend 'modigliaini'

[@shellbacksclub]

the importance & reverence we give some of these lousy old paintings, is ridiculous!

[@shellbacksclub]

this narrator needs to find his own voice, instead of trying to sound like McKeown!

[@katarzynamariamuszynska2811]

So if his grandson would have this painting ,and what ? He will locked this ,maybe he could donate to museum so another people ,art lovers would see or he will sell for millions to some Arab sheiks

[@specialist1970]

Jews...

[@karllieck9064]

I could hardly call this painting a "masterpiece." Jeez.

[@williamschlenger1518]

Horrible art.Keep it s secret.

[@bleedinggumsroberts3579]

Horrible art work.

[@louylauman9405]

I strongly believe ALL MASTERPIECES of the world should be taking place in museums for the simple public, not hidden in Vaults. ART IN IT'S PEAK BELONGS TO EVERYONE.

[@fredinatub]

I don't understand "art" lots of people can copy all the "great" artist's master pieces and you cant tell the difference you cant tell which one is the original and on top of that lots of these so called master pieces are crap.

[@nickfanzo]

What is there not to understand?

[@Bright-It]

That is what make art valuable ... who painted it, when and where.

[@DeboraNorton]

Way too much momey being spent on the wrong things- think of all the good that could be achieved if it were spend on taking care of clean water and free energy.

[@nickfanzo]

Humans are materialistic. That will never change. And we need more art in the world..