"Wilhelm Busch's classic work, "The Three Robbers," returns to Berlin"

"Wilhelm Busch's renowned work, "The Three Robbers", returns to Berlin"

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2025 September 12 . 11:08 AM

2 min read

"Wilhelm Busch's work, "The Three Robbers," makes a return to Berlin"

Berlin welcomes home the iconic work "The Three Raiders" by Wilhelm Busch - "Wilhelm Busch's classic work, "The Three Robbers," returns to Berlin"

In a thrilling turn of events, Wilhelm Busch's renowned drawing, "The Three Robbers," has returned to the Berlin Kupferstichkabinett following a seven-decade-long absence. The artwork, which was originally part of a planned exhibition by the Verein der Berliner Künstler, was considered lost since it was moved to a Reichsbank vault in 1945.

The return of "The Three Robbers" can be attributed to a generous donation by a Swiss woman, who had the drawing in her private collection. The artwork, based on Busch's poem "The Bold Miller's Daughter," was offered for auction at the Zurich auction house Koller.

Upon discovering the origin of the drawing, the head of the Old Graphics/Drawings department at the auction house, Franz-Carl Diegelmann, recognised its significance and contacted the Berlin museum. The owner of the drawing agreed to donate the work to the Kupferstichkabinett, ensuring its return to its rightful home.

The Kupferstichkabinett director, Dagmar Korbacher, expressed her joy over the return of the artwork, stating that "The Three Robbers" still makes people laugh and think in the best Wilhelm Busch manner today. The drawing, which originally joined the Berlin Kupferstichkabinett collection in 1909 from the artist's heirs, is now back where it belongs.

The auction, which took place in Zurich, was a significant moment not only for the Kupferstichkabinett but also for art enthusiasts worldwide. The donation of "The Three Robbers" was reported, and its return has been met with much celebration and appreciation.

"The Three Robbers" is a piece of art that continues to captivate audiences, reminding us of the enduring legacy of Wilhelm Busch and the power of art to bring joy and inspiration. The drawing's journey from the Berlin Kupferstichkabinett to a Swiss vault and back again serves as a testament to the enduring value of art and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.