You have probably heard about the big-budget movie but may not have thought about the Monuments Men book that inspired the film. Both are based on true events. The author of the book released in 2009, Robert Edsel, has also written a sequel entitled Saving Italy. Although the Allied group of real life heroes was disbanded in 1951, the effort to retrieve stolen art objects continues to this day.
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.
The mission soon expanded to cover paintings, sculpture, and other art as well. Two of the unit were killed in action, but the group succeeded in recovering over five million valuable objects from Nazi collections or supporters. The group was formed in 1943 and continued its efforts for eight years.
Recent news shows the relevance of this subject today. In a Munich apartment, officials discovered more than 1400 valuable works of art which may be on lists of stolen objects. The German recluse who hoarded these treasures is the son of an art dealer commissioned by the Nazis to sell art deemed 'degenerate' by Hitler. He is asking for the return of the objects seized recently, claiming they are his by inheritance.
Edsel has devoted his personal fortune and his time to finding more lost masterpieces. He recently spotted two paintings on the 'still missing' list in a Texas museum. They were taken from the Rothschild family during the War. However, the documentation on the paintings is not available. Perhaps they were returned to the family and later sold legally or perhaps they are still stolen objects.
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 inspired the movie, which is a light-hearted look at this true story of heroism and sacrifice. However, for more in-depth information, get the book and its sequel and check out the website for the Monuments Men Foundation. You might want to look at the photos of still-missing masterpieces, too, in case you have the Van Gogh or the Raphael on your wall.
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.
The mission soon expanded to cover paintings, sculpture, and other art as well. Two of the unit were killed in action, but the group succeeded in recovering over five million valuable objects from Nazi collections or supporters. The group was formed in 1943 and continued its efforts for eight years.
Recent news shows the relevance of this subject today. In a Munich apartment, officials discovered more than 1400 valuable works of art which may be on lists of stolen objects. The German recluse who hoarded these treasures is the son of an art dealer commissioned by the Nazis to sell art deemed 'degenerate' by Hitler. He is asking for the return of the objects seized recently, claiming they are his by inheritance.
Edsel has devoted his personal fortune and his time to finding more lost masterpieces. He recently spotted two paintings on the 'still missing' list in a Texas museum. They were taken from the Rothschild family during the War. However, the documentation on the paintings is not available. Perhaps they were returned to the family and later sold legally or perhaps they are still stolen objects.
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 inspired the movie, which is a light-hearted look at this true story of heroism and sacrifice. However, for more in-depth information, get the book and its sequel and check out the website for the Monuments Men Foundation. You might want to look at the photos of still-missing masterpieces, too, in case you have the Van Gogh or the Raphael on your wall.
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