The Photographic Portrait: Esoteric Nazism and the Fetish of the Hitler icon in the 21st century, at the conference The Lure of Secrecy: Western Esotericism and the Arts

Christopher Peter Webster

The Photographic Portrait: Esoteric Nazism and the Fetish of the Hitler icon in the 21st century, at the conference The Lure of Secrecy: Western Esotericism and the Arts

Christopher Peter Webster

School of Art

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference Proceeding (Non-Journal item)

Abstract

This paper evolved from research into occult aspects of the Third Reich. Specifically this paper discussed how images of Adolf Hitler continue to be used as effigies with a powerful religious or spiritual connotation to the world of Esoteric Hitlerists. The paper explores the use of the Hitler image as icon in a contemporary context. Whether it is as an incarnation of Wotan in Nordic paganism, or as the Second Coming of Christ, or as a Vishnu avatar; the photographic representation of Hitler plays a poweful totemic role in the devotions of a ‘New Age’ cult of the Führer.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Girton College, Cambridge University, conference of the Cambridge Centre for the Study of Western Esotericism
Publication status	Published - 09 Oct 2009

Keywords

Hitler avatar
ciphers
afterlife power
hypnotism
magic
photographic fetish,
the divine
photography

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http://ccwe.wordpress.com/tag/dr-christopher-webster/

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title = "The Photographic Portrait: Esoteric Nazism and the Fetish of the Hitler icon in the 21st century, at the conference The Lure of Secrecy: Western Esotericism and the Arts",

abstract = "This paper evolved from research into occult aspects of the Third Reich. Specifically this paper discussed how images of Adolf Hitler continue to be used as effigies with a powerful religious or spiritual connotation to the world of Esoteric Hitlerists. The paper explores the use of the Hitler image as icon in a contemporary context. Whether it is as an incarnation of Wotan in Nordic paganism, or as the Second Coming of Christ, or as a Vishnu avatar; the photographic representation of Hitler plays a poweful totemic role in the devotions of a {\textquoteleft}New Age{\textquoteright} cult of the F{\"u}hrer.",

keywords = "Hitler avatar, ciphers, afterlife power, hypnotism, magic, photographic fetish, , the divine, photography",

author = "Webster, {Christopher Peter}",

year = "2009",

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booktitle = "Girton College, Cambridge University, conference of the Cambridge Centre for the Study of Western Esotericism",

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The Photographic Portrait: Esoteric Nazism and the Fetish of the Hitler icon in the 21st century, at the conference The Lure of Secrecy: Western Esotericism and the Arts. / Webster, Christopher Peter.
Girton College, Cambridge University, conference of the Cambridge Centre for the Study of Western Esotericism. 2009.

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference Proceeding (Non-Journal item)

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T1 - The Photographic Portrait: Esoteric Nazism and the Fetish of the Hitler icon in the 21st century, at the conference The Lure of Secrecy: Western Esotericism and the Arts

AU - Webster, Christopher Peter

PY - 2009/10/9

Y1 - 2009/10/9

N2 - This paper evolved from research into occult aspects of the Third Reich. Specifically this paper discussed how images of Adolf Hitler continue to be used as effigies with a powerful religious or spiritual connotation to the world of Esoteric Hitlerists. The paper explores the use of the Hitler image as icon in a contemporary context. Whether it is as an incarnation of Wotan in Nordic paganism, or as the Second Coming of Christ, or as a Vishnu avatar; the photographic representation of Hitler plays a poweful totemic role in the devotions of a ‘New Age’ cult of the Führer.

AB - This paper evolved from research into occult aspects of the Third Reich. Specifically this paper discussed how images of Adolf Hitler continue to be used as effigies with a powerful religious or spiritual connotation to the world of Esoteric Hitlerists. The paper explores the use of the Hitler image as icon in a contemporary context. Whether it is as an incarnation of Wotan in Nordic paganism, or as the Second Coming of Christ, or as a Vishnu avatar; the photographic representation of Hitler plays a poweful totemic role in the devotions of a ‘New Age’ cult of the Führer.

KW - Hitler avatar

KW - ciphers

KW - afterlife power

KW - hypnotism

KW - magic

KW - photographic fetish,

KW - the divine

KW - photography

UR - http://hdl.handle.net/2160/44406

M3 - Conference Proceeding (Non-Journal item)

BT - Girton College, Cambridge University, conference of the Cambridge Centre for the Study of Western Esotericism

ER -

The Photographic Portrait: Esoteric Nazism and the Fetish of the Hitler icon in the 21st century, at the conference The Lure of Secrecy: Western Esotericism and the Arts

Abstract

Keywords

Access to Document

Permanent link

Other files and links

Fingerprint

Photography in the Third Reich: Art, Physiognomy and Propaganda

An Esoteric Anthropometry: The ‘Volksköpfe’ Photographs of Hans Saebens and their place in ‘Heimat’ Photography

Picturing the Volk: Colour Photography, National Socialist Ideology and the Myth of the Master Race

Shadows from Atlantis: Photography, Pagans and Nazis.

Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf

European Society for Study of Western Esotericism (External organisation)

Cite this

The Photographic Portrait: Esoteric Nazism and the Fetish of the Hitler icon in the 21st century, at the conference The Lure of Secrecy: Western Esotericism and the Arts

Abstract

Keywords

Access to Document

Permanent link

Other files and links

Fingerprint

Research output

Photography in the Third Reich: Art, Physiognomy and Propaganda

An Esoteric Anthropometry: The ‘Volksköpfe’ Photographs of Hans Saebens and their place in ‘Heimat’ Photography

Picturing the Volk: Colour Photography, National Socialist Ideology and the Myth of the Master Race

Activities

Shadows from Atlantis: Photography, Pagans and Nazis.

Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf

European Society for Study of Western Esotericism (External organisation)

Cite this