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The narrative of the Monuments Men, a group of art experts from the U.S. Army tasked with recovering art plundered by the Nazis during World War II, has traditionally highlighted the male contributions. However, women like Mary Regan Quessenberry were integral to these efforts. Stationed in Berlin, Quessenberry investigated art theft, pursued looters, and closely monitored art dealers with questionable legacies.
It’s taken decades, but the female members of this historical brigade are finally stepping into the limelight. The Monuments Men and Women Foundation, headquartered in Dallas, has taken strides in emphasizing the roles women played by introducing changes to their name and spotlighting these women in a national museum exhibition. Moreover, an English translation of one of the member’s memoirs that reveal insider intelligence on the Nazis is slated for publication.
Anna Bottinelli, the president of the foundation, has emphasized, “The Monuments Men were not all men.” Approximately 27 women and 320 men composed the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives section during and immediately after the war. The male members protected cultural treasures during the war, whereas women like Quessenberry stepped forward in the post-war efforts focused on restitution.
With the foundations’ progressive involvement in restitution, including returning wartime looted works and creating a deck of cards featuring still-missing art, it has been a natural transition to honor the women’s postwar contributions. This shift is reflected in the foundation that Dallas-based author Robert Edsel began nearly two decades ago, who brought the Monuments Men’s story to a wider audience through his book “The Monuments Men,” later adapted into a film starring George Clooney and Matt Damon.
The National WWII Museum in New Orleans has incorporated this adjusted historical focus in its new exhibit, featuring the hardships and triumphs of figures like Quessenberry. An art historian by education, she eagerly joined the war effort, playing a crucial role in returning to the United States in 1948 with the rank of major, while harboring vivid memories from her service.
The foundation aims to honor individuals like Rose Valland, whose espionage efforts under Nazi supervision in Paris were instrumental in recovering stolen art. Her memoir, “The Art Front,” which captures her experiences, is due to be published in English this fall. Valland’s legacy lives on, as she was portrayed by Cate Blanchett in the “The Monuments Men” movie and passed away in 1980 at the age of 81.
Among the post-war advocates for the recognition of lost art was Ardelia Hall from the State Department, as well as Capt. Edith Standen, who had the foresight to document all Monument officers’ names after operations diminished around 1950.
In the summer of 2022, the Army introduced its first class of the new monuments officers, also known as heritage and preservation officers, including Capt. Jessica Wagner, who marveled at her inclusion in the modern equivalent of the group she admired during her master’s studies.
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Video journalist Kendria LaFleur contributed to this report.
FAQs About The Female Members of The Monuments Men
- Who were the Monuments Men and Women?
The Monuments Men and Women were a group of art experts and military personnel who were tasked with protecting cultural properties during World War II and finding and returning stolen artworks afterward.
- How many women were part of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives section?
About 27 women were part of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives section alongside approximately 320 men during and just after WWII.
- What contributions did the women in the Monuments Men make?
They were significantly involved in the restitution and investigation of art theft, documenting the whereabouts of cultural treasures, and providing critical intelligence that facilitated the return of stolen artworks.
- Is there an exhibit that features the work of the Monuments Men and Women?
Yes, the National WWII Museum in New Orleans has a permanent exhibit that highlights the Monuments Men and Women, featuring stories of their post-war recovery efforts.
- Will there be a publication highlighting the experiences of a female Monuments member?
Rose Valland’s memoir, “The Art Front,” will be published in English, detailing her espionage work against the Nazi art theft operation during WWII.
Conclusion
The female members of the Monuments Men, though often overshadowed by their male counterparts, played a crucial role in the recovery and restitution of art plundered during WWII. As awareness grows and their stories come to light, these remarkable women are finally receiving the recognition they deserve. The ongoing work of institutions and initiatives such as the Monuments Men and Women Foundation ensures that their legacy will continue to be honored and that the importance of protecting cultural heritage remains a lasting priority.