State Lawmaker Fights To Prove OU Painting Is Stolen Art

Thursday, a state lawmaker upped the ante in a heated fight over a legendary and valuable painting. 

Representative Paul Wesselhoft said the painting “Shepherdess Bringing In Sheep” that has hung in OU’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum for 15 years, is actually stolen art.  Wesselhoft said back during World War II, Adolph Hitler and the Nazi’s stole that painting, and possibly others from Jewish families in Europe. 

“Shepherdess Bringing In Sheep” was part of a $50 million art collection a local family donated to OU in 2000.

“OU accepted over 30 pieces of art,” said Wesselhoft. “It was valued at 50 million dollars and the University said yes we’ll take it.  No research done, apparently.” 

OU is being sued by a French woman who says “Shepherdess Bringing In Sheep” belongs to her family. 

3/1/14 Related Story: Woman Claims OU’s Painting Stolen By Nazis

Wesselhoft wants to see the back of “Shepherdess Bringing In Sheep.”  He said the Nazi’s marked stolen artwork with a special stamp. 

An OU Spokesperson quoted OU Vice President and General Counsel Anil Gollahalli in response to Wesselhoft’s demand. “The painting is the subject of litigation and negotiations and while this is not an appropriate time, the University would be happy to have Rep. Wesselhoft examine the painting at some future time.” 

OU has not responded to Wesselhoft’s claim that he believes other art OU possesses may have also been plundered by the Nazi’s.