Adolf Hitler Practicing Speech Original Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph by Heinrich Hoffman c.1930s. (Watermarks do not appear on the actual photograph.)
Heinrich Hoffman
22.9 x 17.3 cm
The German photographer Heinrich Hoffman made a series of nine photographs of his friend, fledgling politician Adolf Hitler as he practiced his public speaking histrionics. The two men spent hours photographing Hitler as he practiced his persuasive speaking in front of a mirror whilst listening to recordings of Hitler's speeches. They then examined the photographs to see the effectiveness of each dramatic pose. Hitler realized the importance of these photographs, particularly as Hitler was presenting himself as a natural leader and public speaker.
After seeing the photographs, Hitler ordered Hoffmann to destroy the negatives, but he disobeyed and the photos resurfaced after WWI ended and were published in Hoffman's 1955 book, Hitler Was My Friend: The Memoirs of Hitler's Photographer.
This series of photographs is almost unique in that it is difficult to identify their genre. They are technically not portraits, their purpose was more sinister.We are committed to presenting historical artifacts, such as this, solely for their educational and historical significance. We unequivocally condemn and do not support or promote nazism, fascism, or any form of hatred or discrimination. This item is offered to provide insight into a profoundly dark period of history, ensuring that the atrocities committed are neither forgotten nor repeated.
Provenance
Past in Present.com Inc private historical archive.
This photograph came from unidentified historical archive collection. All items from that source are vintage, well preserved, high quality and historically significant. The archive came with a few printed pages that contained biography of Philipp Freiherr von Boeselager who was a German army officer known for his involvement in the 1944 plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. After World War II, he pursued studies in economics and became a forestry expert. He also co-founded the Malteser Hilfsdienst, the medical service of the German Order of Malta, and coordinated German pilgrimages to Lourdes.
So we can cautiously assumed that this photograph came from his collection, but provenance require further research.