Why is there a Madonna of Hans Holbein in You Only Live Twice?
In the 6th Bond film, You Only Live Twice (1967) , one of Blofeld's possessions is a Madonna of Hans Holbein, best exemplified as the Darmstadt Madonna:
What is the reason it is in the film? I know the work is notorious for having many copies which have confused experts as to their authenticity; is that the reason?
P.S. I have not read any of the books on which films are based, so if the answer is there, I would not know it.
Best Answer
I don't have any sources to cite here, so I'm going with my gut here.
Blofeld here has the original.
Spectre stole the original from Darmstadt and replaced it with one of the copies (and probably faked it well enough to make it pass inspection, since originals in art galleries don't often get re-examined that closely after they've been initially authenticated).
Rinse and repeat for any art work Blofeld/Spectre wants.
Extort/sell the originals back to the owners/highest bidder through a front when a profit is required.
Pictures about "Why is there a Madonna of Hans Holbein in You Only Live Twice?"
Where is the Darmstadt Madonna?
The "Darmstadt Madonna" by Hans Holbein the Younger is considered one of the most important Old Master paintings in the world. The painting, which can be seen today in Schw\xe4bisch Hall, was painted in Basel in 1526. Its eventful history is closely linked to the Kunstmuseum Basel.Who was the henchman in You Only Live Twice?
Trivia (175) The henchman Bond fights in Osato's office was played by Samoan pro wrestler "The High Chief" Peter Fanene Maivia, grandfather of "The Rock" Dwayne Johnson.Hans Holbein's 'Christina of Denmark' | The National Gallery
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