Former Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler was a gifted orator who was known for his rousing speeches, and these fascinating vintage photographs we spied on Downtown Camera shed some light on how he perfected the spirited gestures that accompanied his words.
Taken by his private photographer Heinrich Hoffman, the rather humorous photographs show the Führer practicing his body language by striking all manner of exaggerated poses.
From outstretched palms to hands raised high above himself, they reveal how carefully Hitler cultivated his public image in his ascent to power.
Check out the rest of the photographs below.
[via PetaPixel, Metafilter and Downtown Camera, images by Heinrich Hoffman]