DAY 76.1 | Anthropoid

Copyright free photo by Last3xit

Operation Anthropoid

Operation Anthropoid was a World War II mission carried out by Czech resistance fighters trained by the British Special Operations Executive (SOE). Its goal was to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, the Nazi governor of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, known as the "Butcher of Prague." Conceived in late 1941, the operation was executed on May 27, 1942, when Josef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš ambushed Heydrich in Prague. Although initially surviving the attack, Heydrich succumbed to his injuries on June 4. The Nazis retaliated with brutal reprisals, including the destruction of the village of Lidice. The resistance fighters, after a valiant last stand in a Prague church, were killed or took their own lives to avoid capture.

Mural attributed to Banksy

The mural in the image above is attributed to Banksy. The stenciled parachutists are executed in a style reminiscent of Banksy's known work. The subject matter, referencing Operation Anthropoid, aligns with Banksy's history of addressing historical events and socio-political issues. The placement of the mural on a building, seemingly without permission, is consistent with Banksy's modus operandi. He is known for his unauthorized street art, appearing in unexpected locations. 

Banksy typically posts images of his confirmed works on his official Instagram account. There's no such post for this Prague mural. However, it's worth noting that he has remained anonymous and secretive throughout his career, so a lack of confirmation doesn't definitively rule him out. Copycat artists or artists working in similar styles could be responsible for this mural. The stencil technique is not unique to Banksy, and the subject matter, while powerful, could be chosen by another artist interested in historical themes.

— The mural is located here (Google Map Street View)

'Operation Anthropoid' narrated on the spots where it unfolded by a Prague Tour Guide

"Anthropoid" - Official Film Trailer 2016 - Cillian Murphy, Charlotte Le Bon Movie HD

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