Nazi-looted artwork surfaces with Dutch collaborator's heirs

A Nazi-looted painting has resurfaced in the Netherlands after being identified in the possession of descendants of notorious Dutch Nazi collaborator Hendrik Seyffardt.

Seyffardt's descendants are believed to have displayed the painting in a private home for decades. It was stolen from the famous collection of the Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker.

How did the painting come to light?

A family member who uncovered its origins has spoken out and called for its return to Goudstikker's heirs.

Dutch art detective Arthur Brand said he could confirm that the work, "Portrait of a Young Girl” by Toon Kelder, came from the famed Goudstikker collection. It was looted during World War II.

Brand says he was approached months ago through an intermediary by the Seyffardt family member.

The relative had discovered to his horror that his family had been concealing some uncomfortable secrets — that he was a descendant of Seyffardt, who was associated with the Waffen-SS, and that the painting could demonstrably be traced to the Goudstikker collection.

"It is true that I discovered my family possesses the looted painting and does not want to return it," he told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. "I was stunned speechless. That is why I am now bringing it into the public eye. I feel deep shame about the family past and am furious about the years of silence. The painting must return to the Jewish rightful heirs," the family member told the newspaper.

Brand traced the piece to a 1940 auction of looted works, identifying it via a label and catalog number. Lawyers for the Goudstikker heirs have confirmed the artwork was stolen and are seeking restitution.

What is the history of the painting?

Kelder's work formed part of Goudstikker's art collection. Before the Second World War, he owned more than twelve hundred artworks and was the Netherlands' leading dealer in Old Masters.

His entire collection was looted during the war and remains to this day the largest collection claim for missing Nazi-looted art.

"Portrait of a Young Girl" came into the possession of Seyffardt, who was shot in his home in The Hague by the resistance in February, 1943, and died several days later.

The painting was probably inherited by his son, who ran a marketing company that screened antisemitic propaganda and promoted his father's volunteer legion and the Hitler Youth.

A granddaughter reportedly told a family member that the painting must never be sold and that it had been looted.

A female family member of SS commander Seyffardt, who currently has the painting, denied being aware that it was looted art.

Authorities have limited options, as legal time limits have expired and restitution bodies cannot compel private owners to return such works.

Authorities in Argentina last year recovered an 18th-century Italian portrait believed to have been looted by a fugitive Nazi officer 80 years ago. 

The Nazi officer is also believed to have stolen the painting from Goudstikker.

Edited by: Elizabeth Schumacher