Stolen Dorothea Buck sculpture sparks Berlin police investigation into Nazi-era artist's legacy
A bronze sculpture by Dorothea Buck has been stolen from a clinic in Berlin-Mitte. The artwork, titled Mother with Child, was taken under unclear circumstances. Police are now searching for witnesses and information on its whereabouts. Dorothea Buck, born in Naumburg an der Saale in 1917, worked as a professional sculptor. Her career took a tragic turn in 1936 when she experienced a severe mental health crisis. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, she was later institutionalised under the Nazi regime, which classified her as 'inferior'.
During her confinement, Buck was forcibly sterilised—a common practice under Nazi policies targeting those deemed unfit. Despite these hardships, her artistic work endured, including the stolen sculpture. Authorities have not yet revealed the artwork’s value, the exact time of the theft, or its precise location within the clinic. They are urging anyone with information to come forward, particularly if they have been offered the sculpture for sale.
The theft leaves questions about the sculpture’s fate and its significance as part of Buck’s legacy. Police continue their investigation, hoping public cooperation will lead to its recovery. The case also highlights the enduring impact of Buck’s life and work, shaped by both artistic talent and historical injustice.
