The Story of the Monuments Men
Robert M. Edsel, who gave up a highly successful career in oil and gas exploration to turn his passionate eye to the art and architecture of Europe, will deliver Monuments Men: The Search for Nazi Art Loot on Sunday, January 25, at 3 p.m . at the Quick Center for the Arts. Tickets are $45. Visit the Quick Center Box Office or or call (203) 254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396.
Edsel is the author of the non-fiction books Rescuing Da Vinci , The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History, and Saving Italy: The Race to Rescue a Nations Treasure from the Nazis . He is the co-producer of the documentary film The Rape of Europa and founder and president of the Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art.
Formerly a nationally-ranked tennis player, Edsel began a career in oil and gas exploration in 1981. His company, Gemini Exploration, pioneered the use of horizontal drilling technology. In 1995, he sold the companys assets to Union Pacific Resources Company and moved to Europe with his family.
While in Florence, Edsel developed a passion for art and architecture and a curiosity about the many monuments and great works of art that survived the devastation of World War II. He has painstakingly researched his books and other endeavors on the topic. In 2007, his foundation was one of 10 recipients of the National Humanities Medal, an honor presented by President George W. Bush at the White House.
