The Amsterdam-based law firm Rubicon Impact & Litigation and the Allard Pierson are launching a multi-year collaboration focused on research into the provenance of archaeological collections. Rubicon Impact & Litigation, which specializes in complex dispute resolution and distinguishes itself through values-driven legal practice, will fund a three-year fellowship for specialized research into the provenance of ancient objects. By supporting this academic research, the law firm aims to contribute to Allard Pierson’s proactive and ethical restitution policy.
The Allard Pierson manages extensive heritage collections dating back to antiquity, which are used for research, education, exhibitions and public programmes. In light of international debates on ownership, restitution and ethical issues surrounding cultural heritage, the museum launched a large-scale study in 2023 into the provenance history of its archaeological collections. The Allard Pierson sees it as its responsibility to combat the illegal trade in and violence against antiquities and actively participates in the public debate on the ownership of cultural heritage.
Different perspectives on the collection
With the fellowship funded by Rubicon, the Allard Pierson will be able to deploy additional capacity for research in the coming years. The fellow will focus on potentially unlawful acquisitions in the past, as well as ongoing illegal practices in the antiquities trade.
Rogier Kalkers (Head of Provenance Research at the Allard Pierson): “Thanks to the Rubicon fellowship supporting provenance research into our archaeological collections, we will also be able, in the coming years, to invite external researchers to critically examine specific aspects of our museum’s history. This not only creates opportunities for the participating scholars, but also offers us as an institution the chance to learn from different perspectives on our own collection.”
Issues at the intersection of ethics and law arise both in relation to cultural property and within legal practice
Rubicon Impact & Litigation: “We are convinced that the law sets limits against excesses, but that the world would be better off if companies, lawyers and museums alike were also guided by their moral compass. We find it inspiring that the Allard Pierson has set itself the task of critically examining its unique collection, and we wholeheartedly support this endeavour.”
Centre of expertise
The Allard Pierson regards the collaboration as a significant boost to its research policy. The additional resources will enable the museum to further strengthen its role as a centre of expertise in the field of ethical heritage issues. The Rubicon fellowship forms part of a broader fellowship programme for research across the various heritage collections, which the Allard Pierson has established with support from private donors.
