For students of the humanities…
The Amber Room was a masterpiece of Russian art and design. It is also at the heart of one of the enduring artistic mysteries of World War II as its ultimate fate remains unknown. This article from the Smithsonian discusses the room and what is known of its history. link to A Brief History of… Continue reading Article: A Brief History of the Amber Room
One of the unfotunate realities of contemporary art history is the terrible toll that Nazi Germany and World War II took on Jewish artists and art owners. So, many people were killed, and so many lives were irreperably changed. As part of their reign of terror, the Nazis stole art from many families (often killing them in… Continue reading Article: Court Rules Against Returning Nazi-Looted Pissarro Painting to Jewish Family
Art theft is a serious problem, and many stolen treasures are lost forever (either sold to disreputable private collectors or destroyed). However, this article details an exception--a museum that was able to recover a stolen altarpiece. link to U.K. Museum Recovers 15th-Century Altar Panel Almost 50 Years After It Was Stolen
Time can be unkind to art, and this was particularly apparent during World War II. Many amazing (and culturally significant) works of art were destroyed in a conflict that leveled cities and destroyed countless lives. Additionally, beyond horrific human cost, World War II was the largest art heist the world has ever seen. Although it… Continue reading Article: The True Story of the Monuments Men
Art can be lost to the world in many different ways. War, natural disasters, deliberate destruction, and theft are just a few of those ways. One of the most brazen examples of art theft in history is the Gardner Museum Theft. Early on a March day in 1990, thirteen works of art (mostly paintings) were… Continue reading Article: Gardner Museum Theft: an active and ongoing investigation
Humanities Scholars 