Ernst Hanfstangl Paintings

Ernst 'Putzi' Hanfstangl was not primarily known as an artist, but rather as a businessman and a part of Adolf Hitler's inner circle during the early years of the Nazi Party's rise in Germany. Born in Munich on February 2, 1886, to a wealthy and prominent family, Hanfstangl graduated from Harvard University and was involved in his family's art publishing business, Hanfstaengl Fine Arts, before he became acquainted with Hitler.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Hanfstangl was close to Hitler, serving as a foreign press chief for the Nazi Party. His role within the party was multifaceted; he was involved in the party's early attempts to shape its image and was said to have influence due to his educational background and international experience. Hanfstaengl attempted to refine Hitler's image and helped introduce him to Munich's high society. He was also known for his musical talent, particularly his piano playing, which apparently had a soothing effect on Hitler.

Despite his initial support for the Nazis, Hanfstangl became increasingly disillusioned with the party's tactics and ideologies, especially after the Night of the Long Knives in 1934, during which many of Hitler's early comrades were purged. Fearing for his safety, Hanfstangl eventually fled Germany and lived in Britain for a short period before moving to the United States.

While in the U.S., Hanfstangl was briefly detained as an enemy alien during World War II but later worked for the Roosevelt administration, providing insight into Hitler's personality and the inner workings of the Nazi regime. After the war, he testified at the Nuremberg Trials and then returned to Germany, where he lived out the remainder of his life. Ernst Hanfstangl died on November 6, 1975, in Munich.

It is important to note that although Ernst Hanfstangl was involved with art due to his family's business and his personal interests, his legacy is more closely associated with his political activities and connections with the Nazi Party than with any significant contributions to the art world.