Going Once, Going Twice…and Perhaps Gone Forever

Works of art from German museums, including this self-portrait by Van Gogh, being sold at auction by order of the Nazis

The 1939 Galerie Fischer auction illustrated the Nazi desire to purge Germany of “degenerate art” and, when possible, to simultaneously profit from its sale. After reviewing details of the sale, students will explore and debate the ethical issues accompanying decisions to buy, or not buy, these important works of art. Proceeds from the sale funded the Nazi party; unsold art risked destruction.

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This lesson plan is available as part of The Greatest Theft in History Educational Program. We’ll regularly be adding more teaching aids, interviews, photos, archival footage and other valuable information.

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