Stolen Monet Reunited with Family After 80 Years

In a momentous recovery, the Parlagi family finally regained possession of a Monet pastel stolen by Nazis in 1940. Discovered by the FBI and a UK non-profit, this marks a significant step in the ongoing search for other looted artworks from the family's collection.

In a remarkable twist of fate, the Parlagi family has been reunited with a Claude Monet pastel that was seized by the Nazis in 1940. The art piece, along with seven other works, was taken from Adalbert and Hilda Parlagi, a Jewish couple who had to flee Vienna post Austria's annexation by Nazi Germany.

Efforts to recover the artwork persisted through generations, with Bela Parlagi tirelessly searching until his death in 1981, and his son following suit until 2012. Now, more than 80 years later, granddaughters Helen Lowe and Francoise Parlagi have finally reclaimed the Monet, thanks to the joint efforts of the FBI and a UK-based non-profit.

The pastel, titled 'Bord de Mer,' evokes strong family sentiments despite its financial worth. After its recovery, the FBI revealed that the previous owners were unaware of its history. This successful reclaiming fuels hope for the recovery of six other missing artworks from the Parlagi collection.

(With inputs from agencies.)