On Stalin’s instructions, 2000 works of art to be seized in Germany as trophies were listed and to be installed in a World Museum of Art. The most sought-after piece was Raphael’s Sistine Madonna. Trophy Brigades were sent to the front lines. In May 1945, they found Dresden destroyed, but discovered the hidden art depots. 200 000 objects were sent to the USSR, especially to the Pushkin Museum.
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