| During World War II, the Nazis orchestrated a massive and systematic theft of art across occupied Europe. This looting campaign targeted museums, galleries, and private collections, particularly those owned by Jewish families. Priceless works by masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Picasso were seized and either hoarded by high-ranking officials or sold to fund the Nazi war effort. Many stolen pieces were intended for Adolf Hitler's planned Führermuseum. The aftermath of the war saw extensive efforts to recover and return the stolen art, but many pieces remain missing or unclaimed, symbolizing the enduring cultural loss inflicted by the Nazis. |
