Author Stephen Brown will bring the story of history's largest art heist to Kenton County on Aug. 13, with a free presentation at the Covington Branch of the Kenton County Public Library.
Brown's talk, titled "World War 2: The Biggest Art Theft in History," draws on research behind his "Stealing" novel series to explore how the Nazi regime looted hundreds of thousands of artworks from museums and private citizens across occupied Europe between 1933 and 1945.
Between 1940 and 1944 alone, the Nazis seized approximately 100,000 works of art from Jewish citizens in occupied France, according to the library's event listing. The initial shipment from France to Germany filled 30 railcars. Across the continent, historians estimate between 650,000 and one million works were plundered.
"Approximately twenty percent of Europe's art was stolen by the Nazis and, in many cases, stolen again by the Soviet Trophy Brigade," Brown said in a Q&A on the library's blog published Aug. 6. "It's estimated that at least 30,000 paintings are still missing."
Brown's series follows fictional characters hunting for that lost art. "Stealing Renoir" came first, followed by "Stealing Picasso" and "Stealing Van Gogh," all published by Singing Rock Publishing.
The Aug. 13 event is free and open to the public. Brown has promised discussion, "a few new insights" and what he called "a few surprises," including stories behind specific artists and their paintings.
Parking at the Covington Branch's main lot fills quickly. The library advises patrons to use Midtown Garage across the street and get parking validated inside.
Upcoming KCPL events:
- Tuesday, Aug. 11 — Lunch and Learn: Art and Artists of Cincinnati Union Terminal, Erlanger Branch
- Wednesday, Aug. 19 — Author Dion Leonard, Erlanger Branch
