German WWII Albert Kesselring Sketch Portrait

This is a historically interesting and highly personal item originating from the estate of Field Marshal Albert Kesselring, much of which was recently sold in Germany. This piece was among those items acquired by Regimentals, offering a direct connection to the high command of the Luftwaffe.

The item is a very fine quality pencil sketch, measuring approximately 15 x 18 cm, depicting an upper bust portrait of Field Marshal Kesselring. The style and medium suggest it may have been created by a British artist during Kesselring’s period of captivity following the war.

What makes this portrait truly unique is the two-line inscription below the image, written in German: ‘To his dear Irmgard in memory of Christmas 1951’, accompanied by his signature, ‘Albert’. Irmgard was Kesselring's wife, and this inscription, dated several years after the war while Kesselring was imprisoned, is a touching testament to his personal life during a challenging time. The piece is laid into a period frame.

Ref; 95230