Art of Defeat – France 1940–1944

This is an unflinching and honest portrayal of how numerous artists and their works were used during the German occupation of France. "Art of the Defeat" provides an unflinching an honest look at the art scene in France during the German occupation of World War II. Beginning with Adolf Hitler's staging of the armistice at Rethondes, it offers a survey of Nazi and Vichy artistic policies, key events and organizations, and individual acts of collaboration and resistance. It examines the demonization of foreigners, the looting of state museums and Jewish collections, the glorification of Philippe Petain and French national identity, and the official junket by French artists to Germany. Drawing on research and discussions of the works of artists such as Gerard Ambroselli, Arno Breker, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and dozens of others, this volume is a pioneering look at how art can be used to hold despair and defeat at bay.