A piece of lost German artwork stolen during World War II, recovered last year (AP/Michael Sohn)A Czech historian has discovered a long-lost collection of paintings belonging to Adolf Hitler. The Telegraph reports that the unearthed works of art include a "massive" painting entitled "Memories of Stalingrad." Even though the battle of Stalingrad was one of the German army's most brutal defeats in World War II, the painting is said to have been one of Hitler's favorites.
Historians tell the Telegraph that the collection could be auctioned for about $2.6 million. However, the convent where the paintings were discovered has said in a statement that it intends to keep the collection. The collection was discovered by Jiri Kuchar, a Czech historian, in the town of Doskany, north of Prague.
Hitler had reportedly ordered the paintings to be hidden in a monastery in southern Bohemia, but they were found by American forces during the war. Exactly how the paintings disappeared and ended up in the convent remains a mystery.
German forces were notorious for stealing and hiding priceless works of art during Hitler's reign. A 2006 book, "Rescuing Da Vinci," by Robert M. Edsel, chronicles the efforts of American soldiers who recovered thousands of pieces of stolen and lost artwork during World War II.
And Hitler himself was an aspiring artist of sorts. You can view some of his paintings here.
Kuchar tells the Telegraph that there are still nine more paintings in the collection that have yet to be discovered. "I've got a feeling that many places will be reluctant to admit their favorite works of art have this unfortunate historical blemish," he said.
Oddly enough, Hitler seems to be popping up in the news quite a bit lately. Less than two weeks ago, it was revealed that Hitler fathered a secret love child who actually fought against Nazi forces during the war. And exactly one month ago, I wrote about newly discovered, intimate photographs from inside Hitler's private residence.
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