Hitler’s portrait of Frederick the Great, which was an important symbol for him, was eventually taken by the Allies after World War II. At the end of the war, many artworks and artifacts associated with the Nazi regime were confiscated or destroyed as part of the denazification process.
Frederick the Great was a significant historical figure for Hitler, representing a strong, militaristic Prussia that Hitler admired. The portrait itself, known as the ‘Frederick the Great’ painting created by Adolph von Menzel, was displayed in the Führer’s office in the Reich Chancellery. This fascination with Frederick symbolized Hitler’s desire to restore Germany to its former glory.
After the fall of the Nazi regime, the portrait continued to be of historical interest. It was eventually relocated to museums and collections that focused on World War II and its impact on Germany’s art and culture. Today, it is preserved as a reminder of a tumultuous time in history, both for its artistic value and its association with the Nazi ideology.