THE SPY IN THE MUSEUM

An unlikely spy sets out to save priceless stolen artwork from the Nazis.

Rose Valland, curator at Paris’ Jeu de Paume Museum, especially loves modern art for its departure from convention and expectation. To Adolf Hitler, however, modern art is “contaminated” and “degenerate.” As World War II spreads through Europe, Hitler helps to pay for his expensive war by stealing and selling valuable artwork. Upon arriving at Rose’s museum, soldiers order everyone out except for Rose, who stays on as manager. Little do they know that she secretly speaks German and listens in on their nefarious plans. Unwittingly, Rose becomes a spy. As the Nazis catalogue and hide their treasures, Rose documents the movements of every piece of art she can, passing information to the French Resistance and putting her own life in grave danger. Richly detailed, painterly illustrations highlight the gravity of Rose’s work and some of the lesser-known struggles and losses of World War II. Particularly outstanding spreads depict an intricately detailed museum facade, a glowing cityscape, and a haunting, swirling bonfire where works of art are tossed like kindling. An appended historical note discusses the theft of innumerable treasures also stolen from Jewish people during the war, in addition to those plundered from museums like Rose’s.

A visually stunning account of a fearless woman and her fight against the Nazis’ war on art.