Augustus Rolfe

Background
Augustus Rolfe was a Swiss banker and a charter member of the Council of Rütli. During World War II, he received art works stolen from European Jews as compensation for helping the Nazis maintain their war machine in the Third Reich.

Key Event
Rolfe knew he was dying. He wanted to return the painting to the descendants of the rightful owners if possible or to give them to Israel if not. Gerhardt Peterson arranged for the theft the paintings while Rolfe was out of town. Unexpectedly, Rolfe stayed home and the thief killed him because he was recognized. Peterson knew an art restorer was coming to Rolfe's villa and left the body to test the restorer, who turned out to be Gabriel Allon.