OU Responds To State Lawmaker's Allegations Of Stolen Art

Friday, The University of Oklahoma responded to State Representative Paul Wesselhoft’s contention he made to News 9 Thursday that he believes there may be other pieces of art sitting in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art that were plundered by the Nazi’s during World War II. 

Wesselhoft has said for the past 18 months that “Shepherdess Bringing Sheep” actually belongs to a French woman who is suing OU to get back the painting.  Wesselhoft launched the allegation about other pieces of art at Fred Jones Jr. Museum late in the day Thursday, and it is very understandable it took OU until Friday morning to get back to us. 

8/6/15 Related Story: State Lawmaker Fights To Prove OU Painting Is Stolen Art

Mark White, who directs the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, issued a statement that reads in part, “The University appreciates Representative Wesselhoft’s continued interest in the Pissarro painting.  However, his press statements implying the University is housing numerous pieces with Nazi ties are erroneous and misleading.” 

In regards to the court battle, White said this. “The ownership claims have been and are continuing to be considered.  The parties are working together to share information and to see a fair and just resolution that respects the interests of both the fine families involved, the plaintiff, and the Weitzenhoffer family who purchased the painting in good faith and generously face it for public viewing.  Given these negotiations, it is not appropriate to make further comment.”