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Mr. Edsel talked about the extent and premeditation of the Nazi art collection efforts and ongoing efforts to restore artwork, including by his foundation. Mr. Edsel used slides and video during his presentation during which he paid tribute to all veterans.

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A newly discovered catalogue of artworks stolen by Nazis compiled for Adolf Hitler could help unravel the mystery surrounding the whereabouts of lost materpieces seized during the Second World War.

Robert Edsel talked about his book, Rescuing Da Vinci: Hitler and the Nazis Stole Europe’s Great Art: America and Her Allies Recovered It, published by Laurel Publishing.

He was interviewed at the 30th Annual National Press Club Book Fair and Authors' Night, a fundraiser for the Eric Friedheim National Journalism Library.

Robert Edsel presented to the National Archives newly discovered material related to art works stolen by the Nazis during World War II. This was volume 8 of Hitler’s approximately 85 albums of records of stolen art work. The Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art kept temporary possesion of volume 6 in order to promote their projects. Archivist Allen Weinstein had hailed this discovery as “one of the most significant finds related to Hitler’s premeditated theft of art and other cultural treasures to be found since the Nuremberg Trials.” A video clip was shown of the other 39 known volumes being presented as evidence at the Nuremburg Trials on December 18, 1945. After talking about the National Archives work on stolen art, Mr. Edsel and the archivists answered questions. The press conference was held in the Archivist’s Reception Room.

Robert Edsel talked about his book, Rescuing Da Vinci: Hitler and the Nazis Stole Europe’s Great Art: America and Her Allies Recovered It, published by Laurel Publishing. Robert Edsel described the Nazi theft of Europe’s artistic treasures during World War II and their recovery by the Allies. He detailed the work of the 350 servicemen and women who were responsible for protecting and liberating masterpieces by artists such as Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. His talk included a visual presentation of photographs from his book. After his presentation he responded to audience members' questions.