Latest Donation

Long time FWA supporter Patrick Galea has kindly donated to Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna an original copy of ‘Hermann Jahrreiss’ Nürnberger Verteidiger 1945-1946’ – an extremely rare half-canvas folder containing 31 facsimile red chalk drawings, each titled and with a facsimile signature of portraits of the German defence lawyers at the Nüremberg War Crimes Trials held by the Allies immediately after the Second World War.

Hermann Jahrreiß was a professor of law with a focus on constitutional and international law. He originally wanted to study art but at his father's urging, he decided to study law at the University of Leipzig.

Jahrreiß was an assistant to Franz Exner and co-defence lawyer for the accused Chief of the Wehrmacht Operations Staff of the High Command of the Wehrmacht, Alfred Jodl, at the Nüremberg Trials, Jodl was indicted as one of the major war criminals at the International Military Tribunal in Nüremberg. It was at this time that he had executed the portraits of the German defence lawyers.

This copy of the ‘Hermann Jahrreiss’ Nürnberger Verteidiger 1945-1946’ was originally presented to Patrick’s late father, the famous historian, researcher and broadcaster Chevalier Joseph Galea by the artist himself while on a visit to Malta in Christmas 1968 and it comes from his collection.

The rare portfolio was presented by Patrick Galea to Mario Farrugia, Chairman FWA.

For similar donations please contact: info@wirtartna.org