Louvre Museum Names Advocate for African Art Repatriation as Next ‘Great Thinker’

The Louvre Museum in Paris has named Bénédicte Savoy, a prominent advocate for the repatriation of African art, as its next "Great Thinker." This appointment highlights France's evolving stance on the contentious issue of returning artifacts that were acquired during the colonial era. Savoy, a German art historian, has been a vocal critic of the Louvre's handling of its African art collection. She has pushed for the restitution of these works to their countries of origin, arguing that they were often obtained through unethical means. The Louvre's decision to appoint Savoy as its "Great Thinker" is seen as a significant shift in the museum's approach to the repatriation debate. It suggests a willingness to engage with the complex historical and ethical issues surrounding the ownership of these artworks, and to consider the perspectives of those advocating for their return. The move is also viewed as a broader reflection of France's changing attitudes towards its colonial past and the ongoing efforts to address the legacy of colonial-era cultural appropriation.