Description
Book Synopsis This first comprehensive analysis of the Third Reich''s efforts to confiscate, loot, censor and influence art begins with a brief history of the looting of artworks in Western history. The artistic backgrounds of Adolf Hitler and Hermann Goring are examined, along with the various Nazi art looting organizations, and Nazi endeavors to both censor and manipulate the arts for propaganda purposes.
Long-held beliefs about the Nazi destruction of degenerate art are examined, drawing on recently developed university databases, new translations of original documents and recently discovered information. Theft and destruction of artworks by the Allies and looting by Soviet trophy brigades are also documented.
Table of Contents
- Preface
- 1. The History of the Looting of Art in Western History
- 2. The Background for Nazi Looting of Art
- 3. Art Curators Prepare for War
- 4. The Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives Organization
- 5. Adolf Hitler's Interest in Art
- 6. Hermann Göring's Interest in Art and the van Meegeren Fake
- 7. Nazi Looting Organizations and the Führermuseum
- 8. "Degenerate Art" and the Exhibition
- 9. Paris, the Jeu de Paume, and Rose Valland
- 10. Nazi Propaganda in the Visual Arts
- 11. Nazi Propaganda in Films
- 12. The Special Instance of Italy
- 13. The Allies Begin Returning Art and the Soviets' Trophy Brigades
- 14. The Allied Seizure, Theft, and Destruction of Art
- Epilogue
- Appendix: The Disaster at Flakturm Friedrichshain: A Chronicle and a List of Paintings
- Chapter Notes
- Bibliography
- Index
