Nadine de Rothschild, the last baroness of her generation from the legendary Rothschild banking family, is engaged in one such legal fight. She is battling for the right to a cultural trove of artworks and artifacts, mostly amassed by her late husband, Edmond de Rothschild. Now 93, she leads an active and tranquil life in the Swiss countryside, just outside Geneva. She actively and deftly operates 14 family-owned properties.
Born as Nadine Lhopitalier, she was raised in a family that defended communism and left her home at the age of 14. Prior to marrying Edmond de Rothschild in 1963, she worked as an artists’ model. She stitched poppers onto the sunroofs for Peugeots. Her union unlocked the gates to a dynasty known for their vast fortune and cultural influence. They routinely entertained legends such as the Kennedys, Audrey Hepburn and even Princess Diana at their grandly luxurious homes.
Since the death of her husband Nadine de Rothschild has herself faced adversity. She faces an uphill battle to recover hundreds of items that legitimately belong to her. The Chateau de Pregny, the family estate, is where these items are housed. This estate has quickly become the focal point of the ongoing legal battle.
“I inherited from my husband many objects that are in the Chateau de Pregny, but it has been impossible to recover them since my son’s death. That is why, sadly, I have been forced to take legal action.” – Nadine de Rothschild
The art collection at issue in this case includes important works that Nadine feels deserve to be saved for future generations to enjoy. She has publicly stated her intent to found a new museum in Geneva focused on displaying at least some of this collection.
“We are talking about major objects, classified historic objects that belong in a museum,” – Nadine
Even with her ambitious plans for the collection, Nadine understands that this is where it gets real. Family dynamics are complicated. After her son Benjamin died, she did not want to be the kind of mother who had not been there. Now, she stresses over the toll this legal battle could take on her connection with her granddaughters.
“I haven’t lost hope that my granddaughters will understand that this battle is between their mother and grandmother and not against them. My only hope is that one day they will appreciate that I am doing this for the honour of the family.” – Nadine
Nadine’s devotion to protecting the family’s legacy is shared by other descendants of the Rothschild bloodline. His family have made it clear that their number one priority is honoring his legacy while still working through this sensitive matter.
“Out of respect for all parties involved, the family is not commenting on this matter, which it is dealing with with the utmost restraint,” – Source
“The family is fully committed to its family activities, working daily to preserve and pass on its heritage.” – Source
As Nadine de Rothschild prepares for the third generation of her family’s collection, a new generation of legal wrangling continues on. She is passionate that these treasures need to be accessible to the public, and everybody. Her determination will affect her close family members deeply. It can even change the way future generations understand the Rothschild legacy.