Masterpieces from Morozov collection return to Russia from France but three works have been retained

The masterpieces of the Morozov collection, which had been on display at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, have safely returned to Russia, according to an official source. This marks the end of a highly successful exhibition that showcased some of the most treasured works of modern art.

The exhibition, titled "The Morozov Collection: Icons of Modern Art," closed on April 3rd after drawing more than 1.2 million visitors. It featured around 200 Modern masterpieces by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse, and Picasso. These works were collected in the early 1900s by the Russian textile magnates Mikhail and Ivan Morozov, whose discerning taste and wealth allowed them to amass an impressive array of artworks.

Most of the works were lent by prestigious Russian institutions, including the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, and the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. However, some pieces came from private collections, adding to the exhibition's breadth and diversity.

During their stay in France, the works were placed under legal protection. An order from the ministries of culture and foreign affairs exempted the works from seizure, a measure that was effective until May 15th. This precaution underscored the high value and cultural significance of the collection.

The return journey of the artworks was a complex operation, fraught with logistical and diplomatic challenges, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With flights suspended between Russia and Europe, the transportation had to be carried out by land. Five convoys, each consisting of six trucks registered in Germany, were deployed for this monumental task.

Each truck was capable of carrying works insured for a total of up to $200 million, highlighting the immense value of the cargo. The convoy's route took them through Belgium and Germany before the artworks were shipped by ferries to Helsinki, and then on to Russia. Throughout this journey, each country traversed was responsible for ensuring the security of the convoys.

A source close to the Fondation Louis Vuitton emphasized the collaborative nature of this operation, stating, "At France's request, all of Europe was online to ensure the protection of these cultural treasures." This level of international cooperation underscores the universal value placed on preserving and protecting art, even in times of geopolitical tension.

The smooth return of the Morozov collection was made possible through the combined efforts of various entities. The Louis Vuitton Foundation, headed by Bernard Arnault, the chief executive officer of the luxury brand LVMH, worked in close cooperation with the French ministry of foreign affairs. Together, they led negotiations with the transit countries and the European Commission to facilitate the collection's journey.

One crucial aspect of these negotiations was ensuring that the artworks would not be classified as "luxury goods," which could have made them subject to seizure. This precaution was particularly important given recent events. In April, Finland had briefly retained "for investigation" three shipments of antiquities that were returning to Russia after being loaned to Italy and Japan.

Despite the successful return of the majority of the collection, it's worth noting that three works have been retained. The specifics surrounding these retained pieces remain unclear, adding an element of intrigue to the conclusion of this remarkable exhibition. As the art world continues to navigate the complexities of international loans and exhibitions in a changing global landscape, the journey of the Morozov collection serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend borders and unite people in appreciation of cultural heritage.