The newly released film about brave men and women going behind enemy lines to protect western cultural treasures from the Nazis during World War II was inspired by the Monuments Men book by Robert Edsel. This Texan author and art lover has become dedicated to continuing the effort to restore valuable objects to their rightful owners. The book came out in 2009 and became a best seller. Edsel has written a sequel, Saving Italy, which continues the saga of the search.
Robert Edsel wrote the best-seller book and a sequel, Saving Italy. He has also produced a documentary and founded a non-profit organization to continue the effort to find stolen art and return it to its rightful owners. He hopes to educate the public and raise awareness of the fact that many valuable items are still unaccounted for.
The story is true and truly amazing. In 1943, a group of art historians, museum curators, architects, and other scholars dedicated to art were sent behind enemy lines to do what they could to preserve western culture. These were mostly middle-aged men and women, not professional soldiers. One was a veteran of World War I. They left their families and careers to risk their lives for a seemingly impossible mission.
Espionage was of course a part of this dangerous work. Two members of the unit were killed in the effort, which quickly expanded to include art recovery. Over five million valuable objects were taken from Nazi hoards or their supporters and later returned to their owners. The unit continued its work after the War ended, being finally disbanded in 1951.
The fact that many items remain hidden was highlighted by the recent discovery of more than 1400 valuable objects in a Munich apartment. The man who hoarded these treasures claims they are rightfully his by inheritance. His father was an art dealer commissioned by Hitler to dispose of art considered 'degenerate'.
Robert Edsel himself spotted two listed paintings in a Dallas museum. They did turn out to be the paintings cataloged by the Nazis as objects taken from the Rothschild family. The documentation on the paintings is missing, however; they may have been returned to their rightful owner and later sold legally.
Edsel's foundation continues to support the return of valuables, sometimes taken home by soldiers as souvenirs. Recently a veteran returned two rare and extremely old books he had in his home. The Hollywood movie may encourage others to examine the things they have that may fit in this category.
The book, like the movie, tells the true story of brave men and women who risked their lives to save cultural treasure and history. The movie does also, but without the depth of detail and truth found in the book. To learn more, read this historic account and visit the website of Edsel's foundation. Maybe you can help locate the missing Van Gogh and Raphael.
Robert Edsel wrote the best-seller book and a sequel, Saving Italy. He has also produced a documentary and founded a non-profit organization to continue the effort to find stolen art and return it to its rightful owners. He hopes to educate the public and raise awareness of the fact that many valuable items are still unaccounted for.
The story is true and truly amazing. In 1943, a group of art historians, museum curators, architects, and other scholars dedicated to art were sent behind enemy lines to do what they could to preserve western culture. These were mostly middle-aged men and women, not professional soldiers. One was a veteran of World War I. They left their families and careers to risk their lives for a seemingly impossible mission.
Espionage was of course a part of this dangerous work. Two members of the unit were killed in the effort, which quickly expanded to include art recovery. Over five million valuable objects were taken from Nazi hoards or their supporters and later returned to their owners. The unit continued its work after the War ended, being finally disbanded in 1951.
The fact that many items remain hidden was highlighted by the recent discovery of more than 1400 valuable objects in a Munich apartment. The man who hoarded these treasures claims they are rightfully his by inheritance. His father was an art dealer commissioned by Hitler to dispose of art considered 'degenerate'.
Robert Edsel himself spotted two listed paintings in a Dallas museum. They did turn out to be the paintings cataloged by the Nazis as objects taken from the Rothschild family. The documentation on the paintings is missing, however; they may have been returned to their rightful owner and later sold legally.
Edsel's foundation continues to support the return of valuables, sometimes taken home by soldiers as souvenirs. Recently a veteran returned two rare and extremely old books he had in his home. The Hollywood movie may encourage others to examine the things they have that may fit in this category.
The book, like the movie, tells the true story of brave men and women who risked their lives to save cultural treasure and history. The movie does also, but without the depth of detail and truth found in the book. To learn more, read this historic account and visit the website of Edsel's foundation. Maybe you can help locate the missing Van Gogh and Raphael.
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This article collected, selected and written by: Author Van Hoc
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