The Imperial War Museum possesses a controversial Hitler portrait from 1937. Originally displayed in the German embassy, it was donated to the museum post-WWII amidst concerns over its sensitive nature. Currently in storage, its history reflects the complexities of dealing with artefacts linked to Nazi Germany.
London’s Imperial War Museum has acquired a significant and contentious artwork: an official portrait of Adolf Hitler, painted by Heinrich Knirr. This painting, from 1937, is known as “Der Führer” and, due to its sensitive nature, is currently stored away from public view. The imposing painting depicts Hitler in a swastika arm band against a foreboding landscape, reflecting the grim historical context of its creation just before WWII.
The portrait was originally displayed in the German embassy in London, an impressive property near Buckingham Palace. Knirr, who created the piece, became famous after teaching Paul Klee in the late 19th century. By the 1930s, he was closely associated with the Nazi regime and painted two versions of the portrait. One was showcased in the Great German Art Exhibition in Munich while the other was sent to London.
Joachim von Ribbentrop brought the portrait to London after becoming the ambassador in 1937. The painting was likely intended for the embassy’s grand reopening, attended by notable figures including members of the British royal family and political leaders like Neville Chamberlain, known for appeasing Hitler.
Following the outbreak of WWII, the German embassy came under Swiss control. After the war ended in 1945, the UK’s Ministry of Works acquired the embassy’s contents, including Hitler’s portrait, although the museum initially hesitated to accept it. The museum’s trustees were concerned about the implications of collecting such art glorifying the Nazi regime, but government pressure led to the portrait’s donation to the museum in 1946.
Though accessioned, the portrait remained largely hidden until the 1980s when it was displayed at times in historical contexts. Meanwhile, figures from the same era, like Ribbentrop and Speer, faced severe consequences for their roles in the war, with Ribbentrop executed for war crimes.
Currently, the Knirr portrait is secured in storage, framed simply, different from its original ornate setting. Its twin, shown in the 1937 exhibition, is believed to have been lost to destruction or looting during the war. The former embassy now houses the Royal Society, dedicated to advancing scientific progress.
The Imperial War Museum unexpectedly owns a highly sensitive Hitler portrait, acquired from the former German embassy. Initially hesitant to accept such controversial items, government intervention ensured its donation to the museum, where it remains stored away from public view. This story highlights the museum’s cautious engagement with artefacts from tumultuous historical periods while reflecting on the fates of key Nazi figures post-WWII. The painting’s future remains uncertain amid ongoing debates about its historical significance and appropriate display.
Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com