A painting stolen from Jewish art collector Jacques Goudstikker during World War II has been found in the home of Hendrik Seyffardt’s descendants, according to the BBC.
The painting, «Portrait of a Young Girl,» by Dutch artist Toon Kelder, is believed to have remained with the Seyffardt family for decades. One descendant learned about his family’s history and contacted art detective Arthur Brand. He said he was «disgusted» to find out the painting had been kept by his relatives and felt it should be returned to Goudstikker’s heirs. Goudstikker owned over 1,000 artworks and died while escaping the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands in 1940.
Brand started an investigation and found the painting listed as No. 92 in a 1940 auction catalog, matching the description of Kelder’s «Portrait of a Young Girl.» He thinks Hermann Goering seized the painting and later sold it at auction, where Seyffardt bought it.
Brand also spoke with lawyers for Goudstikker’s heirs. They confirmed that Goudstikker owned several works by Kelder, which were part of the same auction.
The art expert called this discovery one of the most unusual cases he has seen. Although paintings like this can sell for thousands or even tens of thousands, the sale of looted art is usually restricted because it is seen as having been sold under duress.
