MoMA, Guggenheim Battle for Picassos

[Persecutor Julian H.] Schoeps demanded on Nov. 1 that the museums hand over both works, "Boy Leading a Horse," which is in MoMA's collection, and "Le Moulin de la Galette," in the Guggenheim's collection.

MoMA Director Glenn D. Lowry and Guggenheim Foundation Director Thomas Krens said in a joint statement they are confident the paintings were not obtained under Nazi duress.

"The Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum take the issue of restitution very seriously," they said. "Evidence from our extensive research makes clear the museums' ownership of these works and also makes clear that Mr. Schoeps has no basis for his claim."

Schoeps' lawyer, John J. Byrne, declined to comment on the museums' suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan.