Looted Goudstikker Painting surfaces Decades after SS General’s Assassination
A painting looted by the Nazis during World War II is still in the possession of heirs of Dutch SS General Hendrik Seyffardt. This is revealed by research conducted by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf and art detective Arthur Brand.
The painting Portrait of a Young Girl by the Dutch painter Toon Kelder (1894-1973), was once part of the famous collection of the Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker from Amsterdam. Since the war, the whereabouts had been unknown
Goudstikker's collection was plundered during the war and ended up in the possession of, among others, Nazi leader Hermann Göring. Through circuitous routes, the painting eventually ended up with Seyffardt. The SS general was assassinated in The Hague in 1943 by members of the resistance.
A family member expresses shame and pleads for restitution to the rightful heirs. According to Brand, it has been established that it concerns looted art, but legal steps are difficult.
The current owner confirms possession of the painting but says she did not know it was a stolen work. She is considering a possible return.
Main Image: Portrait of a Young Girl, Toon Kelder Courtesy Arthur Brand