Hitler paintings sell for $143,000

I’ve heard it all now. In England paintings supposedly made by Adolph Hitler were sold at an auction for $143,000.

Why?

I am amazed that anyone would want the art of a dictator and the mastermind of one of the greatest attempted genocides in the history of the world. Morbid fascination might lead one to view such work, but to own it?

One of the purchasers of the questionable art – there are disputes of the authenticity – is John Ratledge. His plan is to hang the self-portrait of Hitler in either his home or office. Honestly I can say that were I to be going to his office for a meeting, and saw that picture with Hitler’s signature, I would end the deal and leave. This is not a trophy worthy of anything beyond burning or perhaps a museum.

I just don’t get it. I realize that even the most evil person in the world has a humane side, as little it might be. But to have this art is not an investigation into the depths of evil and hatred that a human can sink to. I feel it’s a glorification of the man. An excuse that takes away from the atrocities this wretch did.

History has well recorded Hitler in its books. He will be remembered in 100 years as the equal of only the bubonic plague. He, and his warped dreams of superiority, died the cowardly deaths they deserved. If anything I can hope his eternity in hell is as painful as all the deaths he caused.

This disturbs me. Just as disturbing is the knowledge that in Germany another auction of the works of this madman will happen shortly. To think that these works might bring inspiration to some youth chills me to the bone.