Nazi Looting of European Art and the 5th Army MFAA Recovery Effort
About This Footage
Unedited World War II footage documents the extraordinary work of the U.S. 5th Army Monument Men, members of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives (MFAA) division, as they uncover priceless paintings looted by the Nazis. Filmed in San Leonardo, Italy, this sequence shows the recovery of masterpieces stolen from Florence’s Uffizi Gallery and other collections, including works by Botticelli, Lippi, and Bellini. German troops had hidden the paintings inside a local jail cell before retreating. This rare archival film captures one of the pivotal moments in cultural preservation during wartime, showcasing the meticulous efforts of Allied forces to safeguard Europe’s artistic heritage.