Secret Service Agent and… Artist?

December 11, 2024

In 1960, Israeli Mossad Secret Service agent, Peter Malkin, was tasked to spy on an infamous Nazi war criminal and aid in his capture in Argentina. Today, you can visit the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum to remember Peter—the artist and spy who captured Nazi leader, Adolf Eichman.

Peter Malkin was a skilled agent and spy. He successfully followed Adolf Eichmann, watched his patterns, and waited for the right moment for the Secret Service to capture him. Another skill of his (which is not typically used on a military mission)? Art.

After capturing Adolf Eichmann, Peter was tasked with guarding him until his trial could be completed. During long days and dull nights of standing on watch, Peter began creating art in the prison which reflected on his experiences on the mission—art which has now spanned time and deeply impacted history.

Adolf Eichmann’s photo while in the Nazi regime. • Adam Guz/Getty Images

Version 1.0.0 — Eichmann through Peter’s eyes on the cover of his memoir. • *Peter Malkin*

“Using what he had on hand—pencil, pen, crayons, paint, and even makeup, Malkin made sketches in a guidebook about South America—one of the props used by the Mossad agents so that they appeared to be tourists,” says the Museum of Jewish Heritage in a website article about Peter’s art.

Robb Nelson, Coordinator of Exhibitions at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, says that visitors can expect two different themes throughout the Peter Malkin exhibit. “The first is the actual story of the apprehension of Adolf Eichmann by a team of Mossad agents. Peter Malkin was one of those agents that helped during that mission. So the first aim is to really tell the story of the mission that brought him to justice.” The second theme of the exhibition focuses on Peter Malkin as an artist. “They [Peter’s art pieces] are arranged throughout the gallery to coincide with different phases of the mission,” says Robb. “We also talk about him as an artist and who his influences were. You know, the choices he makes as an artist, as it relates to the world of art history as well.”

From now until June of 2025, the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum is holding a temporary exhibition of Peter Malkin’s art, allowing visitors to experience his masterpieces firsthand.

Special Ticket Prices are as follows:
• Adults (18-64): $8
• College/University Student (with ID): $6
• Senior (65+): $6
• Veteran: $6
• Young Adults (10-17): $6
• Members: $5

Children under 10 receive free admission.

More on How Eichmann was Captured: On May 11, 1960. Peter—along with the help of three other secret agents assigned to the mission—tracked down, abducted, and incarcerated Adolf Eichmann for his heinous crimes. “This wasn’t your average abduction,” says Erin Blakemore, writer for History.com. “The man in the back seat was one of the world’s most notorious war criminals: Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi official who helped Germany carry out the mass murder of 6 million Jews during World War II. For years, he had evaded the authorities and lived in relative peace in Argentina.”