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The Passing of a Great Man and Friend: Monuments Man Harry Ettlinger

Robert M. Edsel

Nov 7, 2018

The Passing of a Great Man and Friend: Monuments Man Harry Ettlinger

Today we mourn the passing of a great American and friend, Monuments Man Harry Ettlinger, who died yesterday after 92 remarkable years....

Robert M. Edsel

Dec 16, 2016

Hitler’s Tapestry Returned to Bavaria

This morning, Friday December 16th, in Munich, the Monuments Men Foundation, in conjunction with the National World War II Museum,...

The paintings behind the Monuments Men cover

Robert M. Edsel

Jun 18, 2014

The paintings behind the Monuments Men cover

This is one of the most famous photos of the Monuments Men, and it just so happens to also be the cover photo of The Monuments Men. It...

100th anniversary of the recovery of the Mona Lisa

Robert M. Edsel

Dec 10, 2013

100th anniversary of the recovery of the Mona Lisa

It is the world’s most famous painting, and yet few people know that the Mona Lisa was once stolen. It was Monday, August 21, 1911, when...

Robert's Instagram

📚The first galleys of ‘Remember Us’ just arrived! After years of research and writing, what an unforgettable moment to hold a copy in my hands for the first time.

These pages honor voices of courage and sacrifice from WWII—I can’t wait to share their stories with you on April 29. #RememberUs

🎬 #OnThisDay in 2014, I was at a press junket with Matt Damon and the cast of ‘The Monuments Men’ — an unforgettable moment as we shared the legacy of these WWII heroes with media from around the world.

Now, as we prepare for the launch of ‘Remember Us,’ I’m reminded of how history continues to connect and inspire us. #tbt

📚I’m excited to share that the release of my latest book, ‘Remember Us,’ with @harperhorizon, has been formally announced today.

I’ve worked for years to bring this story to life, and I believe it’s one we can all learn from. ‘Remember Us’ is a reminder that grief is universal, that humanity knows no national or racial boundaries, and that we all want to be remembered, somehow, someway, by somebody.

‘Remember Us’ will be published on April 29, 2025 but you can pre-order your copy today! Thank you for your continued support. It means the world to me.

11 years ago, “The Monuments Men” movie poster was towering over Times Square! I love when my phone reminds me of these happy memories.
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#MonumentsMen

As we prepare to welcome 2025, I find myself reflecting back on a powerful moment. Earlier this year, I stood with my young sons at the Netherlands American Cemetery, surrounded by rows of white crosses and Stars of David. Each one represents a story of unimaginable sacrifice, courage, and honor—stories that continue to shape our understanding of freedom, duty, humanity, and grief.

In the coming months, I look forward to sharing more about these hallowed grounds and the remarkable lives they commemorate. Together, we can ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Thank you for your continued support! Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy, happy, and peaceful New Year.

✨This holiday, I’m reminded of the simple joys that make life so meaningful—family and love, innocence and wonder.

As we celebrate the season, let us also take a moment to honor those who cannot be home with their families today—our brave men and women in uniform who are serving around the world to protect the freedoms we hold dear. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed, and we are forever grateful.

May this holiday bring cherished memories and the hope of peace for all!

✨On this 25th and final day of sharing my gratitude, a special thank you for the dedication of the incredible team at the Monuments Men and Women Foundation (@monumentsmenandwomenfnd ) for continuing the work of the Monuments Men and Women. From uncovering untold stories, educating the public, and identifying and preserving lost treasures, they work tirelessly to honor the legacy of the heroes who made it possible. I am looking forward to continuing to work with this extraordinary team in the new year to ensure the mission lives one! #grateful #25DaysOfGratitude #holidays

Deane Keller, a portrait painter and Professor of Art at Yale University, volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army during WWII. Determined to help his country and the Italian people, Keller left behind his wife, Kathy, and their three-year-old son, Dino, for three long years. Despite the distance, he stayed connected to Dino through heartfelt drawings, creating a shared language that bridged the miles.

He worked tirelessly to salvage 14th and 15th-century frescoes at Pisa’s Campo Santo damaged by fire, and triumphantly helped return Florence’s treasures in 1945. In recognition of his extraordinary efforts, Keller was buried at the Campo Santo in 2000 with honors from the US, Italy, and the Roman Catholic Church. #MonumentsMen #WWII

✨One of the most memorable experiences of my life took place in 2012, when the late Monuments Man Harry Ettlinger and I paid our respects to Walter Huchthausen at the site of his burial— the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten— where his legacy lives on.

Fluent in German and an accomplished architect, Huchthausen left a flourishing career to serve in WWII. One of two Monuments Men to be killed in action, he gave his life shielding a comrade from enemy fire. Monuments Man Capt. Walker Hancock said it best: “The buildings that Hutch hoped to build will never exist…but the few people who saw him at his job – friend and enemy – must think more of the human race because of him.”

#wwii #monumentsmen

Monuments Man Seymour Pomrenze played a pivotal role in the post-war restitution of looted Jewish archives and cultural materials. As the first director of the Offenbach Archival Depot, he oversaw the return of hundreds of thousands of stolen books, Torah scrolls, and archival documents. His efforts remain a model for post-conflict restitution.

#MonumentsMen

✨From her childhood in London, to WWII Monuments Woman, art historian and celebrated editor, Anne Olivier Popham Bell’s life was dedicated to arts, culture, and literature.

The highest-ranking Monuments Woman in Bunde, Germany, she oversaw field operations at Divisional Headquarters there. Following the war, she spent 25 years editing Virginia Woolf’s diaries, a landmark five-volume work which shaped literary history. Olivier, as she was known to friends, was a true trailblazer. #MonumentsWomen #WWII

As a Monuments Man in WWII, Robert Posey used his architectural skills to clear a path through bomb rubble in the Altaussee salt mine, and became the first Monuments Man to enter, finding masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Bruges Madonna and Vermeer’s The Astronomer.

Following the war, he began a nearly three-decade career at the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, working on well-known projects such as the Sears Tower in Chicago. #WWII #MonumentsMen

✨Lincoln Kirstein was a cultural visionary who left an indelible mark on history. Best known as the co-founder of the New York City Ballet (@nycballet) Kirstein’s wartime contributions as a Monuments Man included the discovery of some of Europe’s greatest masterpieces looted by the Nazis.

For his extraordinary contributions to the preservation and promotion of art in all its forms, Kirstein received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the National Medal of Arts.

#WWII #MonumentsMen #Nyc ballet

✨Monuments Man Frederick Hartt devoted his life to protecting and celebrating Italian art. As stated in his own words, “I lost my heart to Italy at the time of my very first visit to that beautiful land.”

From recovering masterpieces looted by the Nazis, including works by Michelangelo and Botticelli, to inspiring future leaders as a professor and author, Hartt’s legacy lives on. #WWII #MonumentsMen

✨Bernard Taper was a gifted writer, journalist, and professor whose remarkable life included service as a Monuments Man. Born in Scotland, he immigrated to the U.S. at age 11 and became a U.S. citizen during WWII, while training for the Army.

In 1946, he joined the Monuments Men in Germany as an arts intelligence officer, assuming the role of detective tasked with investigating and recovering works looted by the Nazis. Following the war, he resumed his career as a successful journalist, including an almost forty-year term as a staff writer for The New Yorker (@newyorkermag).

At once a creative journalist, determined art detective, and inspiring professor, Taper’s two years as a Monuments Man were only a small part of a life incredibly well-lived. #wwii #grateful

✨Harry Ettlinger’s life embodied resilience, service, and hope. As a boy, he fled Nazi Germany just weeks after his Bar Mitzvah. He returned six years later—not as a refugee, but as an American soldier, fighting to liberate the homeland he once fled.

Harry Ettlinger’s incredible WWII journey began as an infantryman, headed to the front lines of the the Battle of the Bulge. At the last moment, he was reassigned due to his fluency in German—ultimately becoming a Monuments Man.

Today, on the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, I am thinking of my friend Harry and the incredible life he led. He will forever be an inspiration to the many people whose lives he touched. #MonumentsMen

Mary J. Regan Quessenberry was a trailblazing art historian, educator, and Monuments Woman.

In July 1942 Regan enlisted in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, the first female unit to serve in the U.S. Army in a capacity other than nursing. She was assigned to U.S. Eighth Air Force in 1943, where she trained to assess bomb damage and identify cultural sites at risk of being bombed. Following Allied victory, she volunteered to join the Monuments, Fine Arts & Archives, where she was welcomed by her former Harvard professor, Mason Hammond.

For her extraordinary leadership, she was awarded the Bronze Star. #WWIIHistory #MonumentsWomen

Art historian and Monuments Man, S. Lane Faison, Jr., played a pivotal role in uncovering and documenting art theft during WWII. A member of the Art Looting Investigation Unit, he helped locate stolen masterpieces, ensuring their restitution, and later called for prosecution of Nazi art looters.

After the war, Faison returned to Williams College (@williamscollege) where his students went on to lead iconic institutions like MoMA (@themuseumofmodernart), the National Gallery of Art (@ngadc), and the Guggenheim (@guggenheim).

I interviewed Lane just days before his passing in 2006. Despite his declining health, Faison vividly recalled wartime details during our three-hour conversation. It was one of the most moving moments of my life.

#MonumentsMen #WWIIHistory #PreservingHistory

General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s orders to safeguard monuments and historic sites during WWII set a precedent for the preservation of culture in times of conflict.

Today’s spotlight honors his leadership in protecting the past while shaping the future. #WWII #Eisenhower #grateful

The National WWII Museum (@wwiimuseum) in New Orleans is more than a museum—it’s a living testament to the courage, sacrifice, and innovation of the WWII generation. Through powerful exhibits, like their tribute to the Monuments Men and Women, they preserve the stories of those who fought to protect both freedom and culture.

Today’s spotlight: the National WWII Museum for their commitment to educating and inspiring future generations. #WWIIHistory #MonumentsMen #WWII
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The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA @usnatarchives) safeguards the invaluable documents of our history, including records that illuminate the stories of #WWII art theft and recovery. Their collections have been instrumental in my research for all of my books, including ‘Remember Us,’ which will be published in April.

Today’s spotlight is NARA for their dedication to preserving history and making it accessible to all.
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#WWIIHistory #MonumentsMen #NationalArchives

@christiesinc Auction House stands as a leader in addressing the impact of Nazi-era art theft. With one of the most experienced restitution teams in the art world, they prioritize meticulous provenance research and advocate for fair resolutions. Guided by the Washington Principles, Christie’s commitment goes beyond research—they highlight the courage of figures like Rose Valland through partnerships with organizations such as the Monuments Men and Women Foundation (@monumentsmenandwomenfnd), shining a spotlight on these historical injustices rather than allowing them to be forgotten.

Today’s spotlight celebrates Christie’s for their dedication to justice, restitution, and cultural preservation.

Restorations breathe new life into our most cherished cultural treasures, ensuring their beauty and history endure for generations. From rebuilding #NotreDame Cathedral to preserving #WWII monuments and masterpieces damaged by war, such as The Last Supper or the Ghent Altarpiece, restorers are unsung heroes of cultural preservation.

In today’s spotlight, the skilled individuals who dedicate their lives to restoration and preservation.

From his roots in the investment banking business to his transformative role at Harvard’s Fogg Art Museum, Paul Sachs’ legacy lives on.

During WWII, Paul Sachs, along with George Stout, helped develop plans to safeguard works of art, a pivotal effort that paved the way for the creation of the #MonumentsMen. His groundbreaking museum studies program trained a generation of art leaders, shaping the future of museum leadership and advancing the global effort to preserve cultural heritage

Today’s spotlight is Paul Sachs.

On #PearlHarborDay, we spotlight #MonumentsMan Sherman Lee. During WWII, Lee served in the Pacific, where his expertise in Asian art guided efforts to preserve Japan’s cultural treasures. In recognition of his service, Lee was honored with the Order of the North Star and the Order of the Sacred Treasures by the Japanese Government.
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After the war, Lee’s legacy continued at the Cleveland Museum of Art, (@clevelandmuseumofart) where he built one of the nation’s finest collections of Asian art.
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#MonumentsMen

Sculptor Walker Hancock’s World War II journey was as extraordinary as his art. From helping draft directives signed by General Eisenhower to protect cultural monuments, to inspecting war-torn Aachen Cathedral and uncovering treasures in mines, Hancock’s mission preserved history.
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Post-war, one of his most important commissions was the iconic Pennsylvania Railroad War Memorial in Philadelphia, a tribute to the 1,307 railroad employees who died during WWII. His wartime service and artistic achievements earned him some of the nation’s highest honors, including the Medal of Freedom.
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A true hero, today’s spotlight is Monuments Man Walker Hancock.
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#WWII #MonumentsMen

Social media Edith Standen, was a trailblazer! The only Monuments Woman to earn the Bronze Star, she protected cultural treasures during WWII and championed their restitution.

Following the war, she became a leading curator of textiles at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (@metmuseum), shaping art history through her scholarship and exhibitions. https://www.monumentsmenandwomenfnd.org/standen-capt-edith-a-wac
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#MonumentsWomen #MonumentsMen #WWII #BronzeStar #EdithStanden @monumentsmenandwomenfnd

✨During his service as a Monuments Man, James Rorimer was directly involved in some of the most notable achievements of the MFAA.

Following the war, he became one of the premier museum directors of the twentieth century at @metmuseum.

#MonumentsMen #MonumentsMan #JamesRorimer

Visionary, leader, hero, Monuments Man—George Stout laid the groundwork for the Monuments Men’s mission. His efforts saved some of the world’s greatest treasures during WWII. #MonumentsMen

The quiet bravery of this warrior for the arts emerged during the German occupation of Paris. Her courage ensured the survival of thousands of cultural treasures. In today’s spotlight: Monuments Woman Rose Valland!
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#RoseValland #MonumentsWomen #MonumentsMen

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ROBERT M. EDSEL

Blog

The Passing of a Great Man and Friend: Monuments Man Harry Ettlinger

Hitler’s Tapestry Returned to Bavaria

The paintings behind the Monuments Men cover

100th anniversary of the recovery of the Mona Lisa

Robert's Instagram

ROBERT M. EDSEL

Blog

The Passing of a Great Man and Friend: Monuments Man Harry Ettlinger

Hitler’s Tapestry Returned to Bavaria

The paintings behind the Monuments Men cover

100th anniversary of the recovery of the Mona Lisa

Robert's Instagram

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