'The Art Spy': The true story of French art historian Rose Valland's role in WWII

PERSPECTIVE © FRANCE 24

Rose Valland was one of the most highly decorated spies during World War II, credited with playing a leading role in saving thousands of looted artworks during the Nazi occupation. She was a Parisian art historian who spied on powerful Nazi leaders such as Hermann Göring over a period of four years. Rose's information enabled soldiers to know what to look for when recovering the stolen artworks. But she remains a relatively unknown figure in popular culture. Journalist Michelle Young is aiming to change that. She has uncovered more information about Rose's life, and her new book "The Art Spy" tells that story. She spoke to FRANCE 24’s Gavin Lee for Perspective.