Milwaukee Art Museum Restitutes and Reacquires Enslaved Artist David Drake's Stoneware Jars

Key points

• The Milwaukee Art Museum plans to announce the restitution of two historic stoneware jars by David Drake to his heirs on Monday.
• David Drake created and inscribed these vessels while enslaved in South Carolina during the 1800s, defying anti-literacy laws.
• The museum bought back one of the returned jars, dated 1855 and signed 'Dave', for an undisclosed amount to keep it on display.
• This arrangement follows a similar 2025 restitution agreement between the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Drake's descendants.
• The action joins a growing trend of institutions returning Drake's work to his family to help them reconnect with their heritage.

Background

This development follows a broader trend of museums returning works by David Drake to his descendants. A similar restitution agreement was reached in 2025 between the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the family, which served as a model for the Milwaukee arrangement.

Why it matters

This case highlights evolving museum practices regarding the restitution of works by enslaved artists, balancing the return of cultural property to descendants with the desire to maintain public access through repurchase agreements.

What to watch

The Milwaukee Art Museum is expected to formally announce the restitution and reacquisition arrangement on Monday, setting a precedent for similar cases involving other institutions holding Drake's work.