Han Van Meegeren was a painter and art restorer from the Netherlands who became famous as talented art forger and greatest art adulterator of the 20th century with a strong focus on the Dutch Golden Age. No wonder, Johannes Vermeer paintings, have been a part of his portfolio and he even sold a painting presented as being one of Vermeer’s to Hermann Goering: »Christ with the Adulteress«, for obvious reasons an completly unknown work by Vermeer before.
A funny, yet not verified notion here is that Van Meegeren received counterfeit money in return. Nevertheless, after WW II, Van Meegeren was accused of collaboration with the Nazis and plunder national patrimony. Even though Van Meegeren had to admit now that the just recently discovered Vermeer was no Vermeer, but a “Van Meegeren” he was not believed and had the occasion to forge further Vermeers while being on remand – just to prove his innocence regarding the accusal.
It took over 7 experts and more than two years to examine the authenticity of the paintings. Beside several “Vermeers” he forged also Franz Hals paintings. Finally, micro chemical examinations revealed the usage of materials which were unavailable before the 20th century. Though used as a proof during the process, these findings have frequently been challenged until 1967 when they were reconfirmed. Van Meegeren was finally sentenced to one year of prison for fraud but died before. For many Dutch people he became one of the most popular figures in their recent history as he managed to fool both Goering and leading Dutch art experts. Today, his reproductions are valuing millions of dollars.
Even though Van Meegeren was often hailed as one of the most brilliant art forgers of the Century, he himself had a more sad view on the whole matter: My Triumph as art forger meant my defeat as creative artist.
