In this way, Hitler, who was denied 2 times to study painting, embarked on the dark path of the notorious dictator of Nazi Germany.
You may have heard that he could paint, but you rarely see his work.
Between 1908 and 1913, he created hundreds of "works of art" in Vienna, hoping to sell them to support himself.
Despite his great efforts, he did not gain commercial recognition.
It wasn't until after the end of World War II that some of his paintings surfaced and fetched tens of thousands of dollars at auction, while the rest were seized by the U.S. Army and remain in the custody of the U.S. government.
Let's take a look at these paintings of his and give us a glimpse into the inner world of one of history's most notorious figures.
In his autobiography Mein Kampf, published in 1925, Adolf Hitler recounted his desire as a young man to become a professional artist.
However, when he was brushed off for the two exams at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, his dream of becoming an artist was shattered.
Hitler was rejected by the academy twice, once in 1907 and again in 1908.
During a preliminary round, he was asked to draw 2 designated landmarks or biblical scenes within 6 hours.
Vienna State Opera, painted by Hitler in 1912
However, his work was criticized for having too few portraits, which led the censors to believe that he was more suitable for the School of Architecture than the School of Fine Arts.
Karl Church in the winter of 1912
One of his mentors, recognizing some of his talents and sympathizing with Hitler's situation, suggested that he apply to the School of Architecture.
However, if this path was chosen, it would have to go back to secondary school, which Hitler had already dropped out and was unwilling to return.
1909 –1913
For a few years from 1908 to 1913, Hitler's life was not good, and he made a living by painting and coloring postcards and painting houses.
This self-portrait is believed to be the earliest self-portrait of the dictator
We can see from the first self-portrait he painted in 1910, when he was 21 years old, that he was helpless.
The painting, along with twelve of Hitler's other paintings, was discovered in 1945 by U.S. Army Sergeant Willie McKenna in Essen, Germany.
During his time in Vienna, Hitler sold many paintings to the Austrian merchant Samuel Morgenstein.
Morgenstern first met Hitler around 1911 or 1912, when Hitler gave him three paintings.
According to Morgenstern's purchase records, most of Hitler's buyers were Jewish.
Among them, one of Hitler's famous clients, the lawyer Joseph Fingold, bought several of Hitler's paintings depicting old Vienna.
The Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus Christ, oil on canvas, 1913
Hitler's art style is considered more rigid, especially when it comes to depicting architecture.
His works often imitate the works of nineteenth-century artists, rather than showcasing his own unique elements of artistic originality.
Although he claimed to have founded many artistic movements, he was mainly inspired by Greco-Roman classicism, the Italian Renaissance, and neoclassicism.
Perhaps, this has something to do with his appreciation of the technical precision and clear symbolism of these styles.
Hitler regarded Rudolf von Ahrt as his greatest teacher because of their common interest in similar themes and the use of color.
However, each era has its own unique artistic innovation, and Hitler has neither the artistic achievements of the past nor the innovation of his contemporaries.
Vienna State Opera, painted by Hitler in 1912.
In 1936, American journalist and writer John Gunther reviewed Adolf Hitler's paintings submitted to the Vienna Academy of Arts.
Gunther describes them as "bland, utterly devoid of rhythm, color, feeling, or mental imagination."
He described the paintings as precise architectural sketches lacking artistic depth, and noted that it was not surprising that the Vienna professor advised Hitler to pursue architecture rather than fine art.
And the dean, who rejected Hitler's application to the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, pointed out that Hitler lacked imagination in painting figures.
In 2002, a modern art critic commented on some of Hitler's works without knowing the origin of these paintings.
He believes that these paintings are technically exquisite, but they create a sharp contrast in the style of the figures, which shows that the painter lacks a strong interest in the figures.
Courtyard of the Old Royal Palace, Munich, 1914
At the end of World War II, American troops seized some of Hitler's paintings, some of which are believed to still be in Germany.
The artworks were brought to the United States along with other seized items and are currently being seized by the U.S. government, which has refused to allow them to be exhibited.
Lakeside House, Mountain View, 1910
Hochburg, 1909
Basilica of St. John in Lateran, Rome, 1910–1912
Other paintings are still in private collections, and at the beginning of the 21st century, they began to appear at auction.
Morning of Mountains and Lakes, 1908
Prague in the fog
Munich Royal Hofner, May 1913 - August 1914
Farewell to the Hunter, oil on canvas, 1914
Spring Path on the Window, 1914
Swan Castle
Artist or politician? He himself gave the answer.
In August 1939, on the eve of the outbreak of World War II, Hitler revealed in a conversation with the British ambassador Neville Henderson: "I am an artist, not a politician. As soon as the Polish problem is resolved, I want to end my life as an artist. ”
Perhaps when he said such things, he did not realize that this war would be the trigger for World War II.
Thank you for reading, liking, following and favorites
Curiosity has a cat: follow and discover and share stories in photos