Making Amends

   On the same note as the entry below, let me give you another one on the theme of it's-never-too-late.
   An Austrian arbitration court has urged the return of five paintings by Gustav Klimt to Maria Altmann, the heir of the former owners from whom the paintings were stolen by the Nazis.
   The case came to court seven years ago with a 1998 Austrian law requiring federal museums to review their artefacts for any that were seized by the Nazis and were being held without remuneration having been made. Austria's culture minister, Elizabeth Gehrer today agreed to abide by the court ruling but has asked that the paintings be allowed to stay on public display as national treasures.
   Altmann is the niece of Adele Bloch-Bauer, the subject of Klimt's 1907 portrait painting, perhaps one of the most famous works by the artist. The estimated worth of the gold-encrusted painting is considered to be approximately $150 million. Minister Gehrer says there is no way for the museum to pay the price, but she is hoping for some sort of arrangement whereby the display of the painting might be continued. Altmann has no problem with the works remaining at the gallery so long as restitution is made.
   It remains to be seen what the two sides will agree to, but it does illustrate my point. Making an effort to right a wrong should never be avoided with the excuse that it is too late.