National Gallery Quote by Robert M. Edsel
![“When the Nazis took Paris, the director of the Toledo Museum of Art wrote to David Finley, director of the not yet opened National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., to encourage the creation of a national plan, saying, “I know [the possibility of invasion] is remote at the moment, but it was…” quote by Robert M. Edsel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/391/robert-m-edsel-18875_quote_when-the-nazis-took-paris-the-director-o_1589555.jpg)
““When the Nazis took Paris, the director of the Toledo Museum of Art wrote to David Finley, director of the not yet opened National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., to encourage the creation of a national plan, saying, “I know [the possibility of invasion] is remote at the moment, but it was once remote in France.””
About This Quote
Source Letter: National Gallery of Art, 1939
The director urged a national art plan, noting that while invasion seemed unlikely, history showed it could happen elsewhere.
In simple terms: Plan for art preservation despite low invasion risk.
Key Takeaway
Support cultural preparedness.
Themes
cultural preservation
national security
art policy
historical awareness
Mood
cautious
strategic
Type
policy
historical
When to use this quote
- government funding
- museum planning
- heritage protection
- educational outreach
Key Concepts
politics
history
museum studies
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance art protection with realistic risk?
- What lessons does this history teach today?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on unlikely threats may divert resources.
