A Second Chance at Art: The Inspiring Encounter With Adolf Hitler
History is filled with stories of individuals whose destinies were shaped by their early struggles and later transformations. One such story is that of Adolf Hitler, an artist who was once rejected and lived a tumultuous life. During a chance encounter, I had the opportunity to offer him a second chance at art, encouraging him to pursue his passion.
The Encounter
It was a sunny Sunday afternoon when he appeared, his wet uniform hanging on my clothesline. He stopped to admire my art. At first, I dared not recognize him, but it was impossible to miss his mustache or the way he carried himself. 'I've seen your art. It's beautiful.' His words resounded with sincerity, and I was taken aback by the gravity of his statement.
A Shattered Dream
His words brought him to a pause as he shared a part of his past. 'Do you really mean that?' he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of hope and doubt. I nodded, remembering history and the atrocities he committed. However, he was not just the figure of evil but an artist who was once rejected by an art school in Vienna. 'Two days of work wasted away,' he lamented.
Despite the passage of over 70 years, little was known about his life after the events. Here he was, drying his clothes, wearing the remnants of a life long since changed. 'I do. I’ve seen it. The Vienna State Opera House. That was amazing,' I replied, recalling the greatness of his work. A small drop streamed down his face, a testament to his deep emotions.
The Journey of Self-Reflection
He remained silent, lost in his thoughts, knowing that history would always be a part of him. 'I bear no resentment. You've set history in motion.' I sipped my coffee, contemplating the impact of his actions. 'If it never happened, I wouldn’t be like this now,' I said, sharing a reflection on personal growth and resilience.
A Path to Redemption Through Art
Adolf's journey from art to atrocity was a harrowing one, but he still sought solace in his passion. 'What if I still feel the same way about all those people?' he asked, revealing the depth of his inner conflict. 'Stop. Nothing good will come out of it again,' I advised, emphasizing the importance of moving forward. The modern world had its own set of challenges, and he had played his part.
'True. But what should I do?' he questioned, seeking guidance from a young man. In that moment, I was not just a young man but a symbol of the newer, more tolerant world that had emerged. 'Go back to art school, Mr. H. Change your name, paint all you want. Paint everything. Learn about the world and paint it at the same time,' I suggested, offering him a path to redemption through art.
A New Beginning
He was hesitant but gave it some thought and nodded in agreement. 'What if I get rejected again?' he asked, fearfully. 'They will accept you. If you get rejected, come back to my place and practice again: you'll get a second chance.' Second chances are rare, even in those days. Now, in the modern world, we have the chance to fail and still thrive.
Adolf relinquished his mustache and bought his supplies. With each item, he was embarking on a new journey, a chance to start fresh. We returned to my apartment, setting up his studio with new brushes, paints, and canvases.
With a final nod, I said, 'Oh and Adolf,' he replied, 'Ja, Herr.' 'Shave your mustache. They’ve never liked that look.' And with that, he smiled, ready to erase the past and begin anew.
For more stories of resilience and transformation, explore our articles on Art History, Transformative Art, and Historical Artists.