Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford The Wild Turkeys of Schleswig
Nov 25, 2022
Discover the mystery of eight American turkeys adorning Schleswig's Cathedral of St Peter, painted centuries before Columbus's voyage. Explore the cathedral's rich history and the controversies surrounding the restoration of its Gothic frescoes. Delve into the troubled legacy of artist Lothar Malskat, who pushed back against Nazi-era manipulation while grappling with the consequences of artistic forgery. This fascinating tale weaves together art, history, and the unexpected absurdities of cultural narratives.
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The Schleswig Turkeys
- The Schleswig Cathedral in Germany contained frescoes with American turkeys, painted long before Columbus's voyage.
- This raised questions about pre-Columbian transatlantic contact.
Albers' Restoration
- Restorer August Albers initially restored the frescoes in the late 19th century, filling in gaps and adding his own elements.
- Later, his work was deemed excessive, leading to another restoration attempt.
Albers' Revelation
- August Albers revealed he had added some turkeys to the frescoes in his original restoration, exposing Malskat’s deceit.
- Yet, people in power dismissed Albers’s claim, choosing to believe the Nazi narrative.
