14.11.2026 23:41
One of the most renowned painters in art history, Vincent van Gogh’s multimillion-dollar work has become the focus of an ownership dispute dating back years. The heirs of Samuel Fischer, who argue that during the Nazi era his family was forced to part with the painting due to economic pressures, objected to the sale of the work ahead of the $180 million auction.
The painting “Châtaigniers en Fleurs” (Flowering Chestnut Trees) by world-famous painter Vincent van Gogh, valued at 180 million dollars, has become a topic of discussion due to an ownership dispute ahead of an auction to be held in New York. The heirs of the work’s former owner, German publisher Samuel Fischer, have approached Sotheby's, claiming that the painting may have been sold under pressure during the Nazi era.
OBJECTION FROM HEIRS BEFORE THE AUCTION
Vincent van Gogh’s work “Châtaigniers en Fleurs” will be offered for sale at an auction to be held in New York on Wednesday. The painting, valued at approximately 180 million dollars, came to attention before the sale due to an objection from the heirs of its former German owners.
Lawyers representing the heirs of German publisher Samuel Fischer argued that the painting may have been sold under pressure because of the financial losses the family suffered during the Nazi era. According to a New York Times report, the heirs' lawyer approached the auction house Sotheby's with a letter containing these claims.
SOTHEBY'S DID NOT CONFIRM THE CLAIMS
Sotheby's announced that its extensive research did not confirm the claim that the painting was sold under pressure. Nevertheless, the auction house reported that it has been holding talks with representatives of the Fischer family's heirs in order to resolve the dispute over the work's history and possible restitution.
The statement said that matters concerning the work's history and restitution claims are taken extremely seriously and that efforts are being made to find a solution that will satisfy the parties.
THE PAINTING'S OWNERSHIP HISTORY DRAWS ATTENTION
According to information on Sotheby's website, the painting was purchased in 1909 by German publisher Samuel Fischer. After Fischer’s death in 1934, the work passed to his family.
It was reported that the painting was entrusted to Paul Cassirer in Amsterdam in 1932 or 1933, and that in 1936 it passed to Henriette and Marcel Kapferer in Paris. From that date on, the work passed through the hands of four different owners and has reached the present day.
EYES ARE ON THE DISPUTE BEFORE THE AUCTION SALE
Van Gogh’s work will be put up for auction as part of the Blaquier-Arrieta Collection. It is a matter of curiosity how the sale of the painting, which draws attention with its estimated value of approximately 180 million dollars, will be affected by the talks between the Fischer family's heirs and Sotheby's.