Adolf Hitler, the infamous dictator of Nazi Germany, harboured a peculiar fascination with classical art, particularly ancient Greek sculptures. Among his many ambitions and desires, Hitler’s obsession with collecting these exquisite artifacts stands as a testament to his complex personality and twisted worldview. One such acquisition that garnered significant attention was his pursuit of the Discus Thrower, a renowned copy of the Greek statue, from an Italian family. In this article, we delve into the intriguing story behind Hitler’s obsession with Greek statues and the controversial acquisition of this masterpiece. Hitler’s Fascination with Classical Art: Adolf Hitler’s fascination with classical art can be traced back to his early years as…
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Divine Splendour: Unveiling the Secrets of Roman Chryselephantine Art
Roman chryselephantine statues, like their Greek counterparts, were sculptures made from a combination of gold and ivory on a wooden core . The term “chryselephantine” itself is derived from the Greek words “chrysos” (gold) and “elephantinos” (ivory). These statues were highly prized in the ancient world for their opulence and craftsmanship. I first discovered this technique when visiting the Palazzo Massimo in Rome. There is a beautiful fragment from a statue that was discovered in the Roman ruins near my home in 1994, it was then sold on the black market and ended up in London. The Carabinieri in Italy, spent many years investigating and tracking parts of the statue,…
