Nazi-looted painting discovered in home of Dutch SS commander's heirs

"Brand was contacted several months ago by an heir of Seyffardt, he tells The Art Newspaper. The man, whose family changed its name, reached out after finding out about his ancestry. "I discovered that my family is in possession of the looted painting," said the man, who wishes to remain anonymous, to the Dutch paper the . "I was stunned. This is why I am now bringing it to public attention. I feel deep shame about the family past and I am furious about the years of silence. The painting must be returned to the rightful Jewish owners.""

"Brand found the painting listed in the archives of an auction in 1940, where part of the looted Goudstikker collection was sold Photo courtesy of Arthur Brand. On the back of the painting, according to images shared by Brand, is the "Collectie Goudstikker" label and the number 92. When Brand investigated the archives of an auction in 1940, where part of the looted Goudstikker collection was sold, he found item No 92 was listed as Portrait of a Young Girl."

"The anonymous man told Brand the location of the painting, owned by a relative. However, the Dutch authorities cannot raid the property because the statute of limitations for the theft has passed, while the Dutch Restitutions Commission strictly only has power over national collections. "The only way to get it back was to announce it", Brand says, in the hopes that public exposure would encourage the current owner to return the painting to its rightful heirs."

Portrait of a Young Girl by Toon Kelder was found hanging in a hallway near Utrecht for years. Art detective Arthur Brand announced that the painting is held by heirs of SS commander Hendrik Seyffardt. The painting is identified as one of more than 1,100 works plundered from Amsterdam art dealer Jacques Goudstikker. Brand traced the work to auction records from 1940, where item No. 92 was listed as Portrait of a Young Girl. The back of the painting bears a “Collectie Goudstikker” label and number 92. Dutch authorities cannot act because the statute of limitations has passed, so Brand seeks return through public attention and hopes the current owner will restore it to rightful Jewish heirs.

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