The Art Forger Who Became a National Hero
2 days ago
- Han van Meegeren was a Dutch artist who became one of the most successful forgers in history by creating convincing fakes of Johannes Vermeer's paintings.
- Rejected by art critics, he sought to prove his worth by forging masterpieces, using meticulous techniques to mimic 17th-century materials and aging.
- His forgeries duped experts and collectors, including Nazi official Hermann Göring, selling for millions of dollars.
- After World War II, he was accused of Nazi collaboration and, to prove his innocence, painted a 'Vermeer' in court, which led to his acquittal on the major charge.
- He was instead convicted of fraud, but his popularity soared as the Dutch saw him as a hero who tricked the Nazis.
- Van Meegeren's story highlighted flaws in art authentication and led to a reconsideration of connoisseurship.
- He died of a heart attack just before beginning his prison sentence, and his forgeries later increased in value.