Character

David Haussmann

grateful knowledgeable poised appreciative familial discerning cultured resilient

Augie Haussmann emerges as a poignant historical figure: a French Jewish art collector devoted to minor impressionists whose prized painting falls victim to Vichy regime seizures, thrusting his family into generational loss. Perishing at Auschwitz, his shadow looms large in the White House's Christmas Eve restitution ceremony, where C.J. returns the recovered artwork to daughter Rebecca and grandson David. This act, sparked by President Bartlet's international diplomacy, elevates Haussmann's legacy from erased plunder to reclaimed heritage, underscoring themes of justice amid Bartlet administration rituals.

2 appearances

David Haussmann's Journey

A timeline through the narrative

2 moments

S2E10 · Noel

Haussmanns Reclaim Nazi-Looted Painting Amid White House Rituals

Happily grateful, bridging family's painful history with triumphant recovery.

Waits with mother and Bernard, confirms prior phone call with C.J., details grandfather's life as French Jewish collector, nods on Vichy stripping, receives wrapped painting from Bernard, relays $400,000 value …

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S2E10 · Noel

Josh's Detached Hallway Brush-Off to C.J.

appreciative and informative

waits with mother in office, confirms prior call with C.J., explains family history, receives wrapped painting from Bernard, discusses original price, expresses happiness

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