OSHER 621 - Illicit Loot: Nazi Germany and the Systematic Plunder of Art

From 1933 to 1945, Nazi Germany embarked on one of its darkest agendas in the organized plundering of art and cultural treasures. Among the 20,000 works stolen from individuals, particularly Jewish collectors, and countries were Renaissance paintings, antiquities, religious works, and books. This course covers this period and introduces you to some of the major conspirators including Adolf Hitler, Herman Goering, and a coterie of dealers and collectors. The final classes will examine the ongoing attempts to reunite art with its rightful owners as well as the resources available for the quest.