The “Head of a Young Woman” case: a new Example of International Illicit Traffic of Cultural Property?

Abstract

If the “Head of a Young Woman” case is considered as a case of international illicit traffic of cultural property, it is feasible to think about its prevention by the authorities of Spain as the painting’s State of origin and about its repression by the authorities of Spain, France and Switzerland as States of origin, transit and destination respectively. However, the comparison between this case and other cases involving P. Picasso paintings shows the doubts raised in determining the locus originis of his artwork. When the authors might be qualified as international (or even universal) authors, the idea of belonging of their work to the heritage of a particular State is not clear at all.