Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford cover image

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

The Wild Turkeys of Schleswig

Nov 25, 2022
Explore the mystery of American turkeys painted on the walls of Germany’s Schleswig cathedral centuries before Columbus. Uncover the restoration efforts and controversies surrounding the medieval frescoes. Learn about the manipulation of historical facts, the restoration of Marian Kiesher murals, and the aftermath of uncovering the forgeries. Analyze the trial and the dangers of self-deception in the art world.
39:13

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The presence of turkeys painted on a medieval fresco in Schleswig's Cathedral fueled a nationalist narrative in Nazi Germany, suggesting Germans had discovered America before Columbus.
  • The restoration of Gothic frescoes in the Marian Kiesher church by Lothar Malscat and Professor Ernst Fay created a blend of medieval and modern art, rewriting art history and deceiving powerful institutions.

Deep dives

The Power of Networking

Lothar Malscat, a struggling artist, eagerly accepted a job as an assistant to Professor Ernst Fay, a renowned art restorer in Nazi Germany. Fay's connections to powerful individuals like Hermann Goering gave him credibility and success. Malscat, however, felt overshadowed and unrecognized for his contribution to the restoration work.

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