In this episode, we delve into the feverish demand for Italian Renaissance art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Figures like Wilhelm Bode and Bernard Berenson shaped the market, advising collectors who sought these masterpieces to display wealth and cultural clout. From ethical dilemmas around smuggling and ownership to the transformative impact of Renaissance art on national identity, we uncover how these artworks became global trophies. Explore the intricate interplay of passion, power, and preservation that defined this vibrant chapter in art history.