Abstract

The paper investigates whether it is possible to testify to the Nazi atrocities and give voice to its victims, without exploiting the testimonies and turning them into a show, thereby betraying their aim. The paper puts forward the concept of “negative testimony” through an analysis by Didi-Huberman of certain pictures from hell that have been taken by inmates of Auschwitz, and the Diary of Etty Hillesum. Negative testimony is not the affirmation that something cannot be represented; it is the testimony that does not want to consolidate an awareness, rather it aims at break it, thereby ransoming what has become too obvious, advertised and, in fact, spoiled.