Provenance categories

The evaluation of findings from basic provenance research is represented in a differentiated system as follows.

«Yellow-green» and «yellow-red» are defined dynamically. Ratings according to these categories may change as a result of new research findings.

The «yellow-green» and «yellow-red» categories take account of incomplete knowledge. In contrast to other assessment systems, they enable a qualified judgement to be made. Categorisation as «yellow-red» can be the basis for a decision in the sense of a just and fair solution in accordance with the Washington Principles (1998).

Category	Loss within the NS sphere of power	Loss outside the NS sphere of influence	Action
	Works that are proven not to be or highly unlikely to be Nazi-looted art.	The purchaser behaves correctly towards the seller, either demonstrably or with a high degree of probability. He does not take advantage of the difficult personal situation or the unequal negotiating position of the seller.	The Stiftung Kunstmuseum Bern will retain works in the "Green" category in its collection.
	The provenance between 1933 and 1945 has not been conclusively clarified and there are gaps. The research presented does not provide any evidence of Nazi-looted art. There are also no indications of Nazi-looted art and/or conspicuous accompanying circumstances.	There are no indications or suspicious circumstances that point to improper behaviour on the part of the acquirer, who would have taken advantage of the difficult personal situation or the unequal negotiating position of the seller.	The Stiftung Kunstmuseum Bern will retain works in the "yellow-green" category in its collection. New findings remain reserved.
	The provenance between 1933 and 1945 has not been conclusively clarified and there are gaps. The research presented does not provide any evidence of Nazi-looted art. However, there are indications of Nazi-looted art and/or conspicuous accompanying circumstances.	There are indications or suspicious circumstances that point to improper behaviour on the part of the acquirer, who may have exploited the difficult personal situation or the unequal negotiating position of the seller.	The Stiftung Kunstmuseum Bern will seek a just and fair solution in dialogue with the descendants of the injured parties, taking into account the particularities of the individual case. The handover of the work is expressly not excluded.
	Works that are proven or highly likely to be Nazi-looted art.	The acquirer is demonstrably or very probably behaving incorrectly towards the seller. He exploits the difficult personal situation and the unequal negotiating position of the seller.	The Stiftung Kunstmuseum Bern is restituting these works.

^{Die Berner Ampel: Kategorien zur Bewertung von Erkenntnissen der Provenienzforschung, Kunstmuseum Bern 2025. © Kunstmuseum Bern}