Nazi-Looted Painting Found in Home of Dutch SS Leader's Family

Art detective Arthur Brand has recovered a Nazi-looted painting, Portrait of a Young Girl by Toon Kelder, from the home of descendants of Hendrik Seyffardt, a high-ranking Dutch SS collaborator. The artwork belonged to the renowned Goudstikker collection, looted by Hermann Göring in 1940. Seyffardt likely acquired it at a 1940 auction of looted art. The painting was identified by a Goudstikker label and the number 92 on its frame, matching auction records. Seyffardt's granddaughter initially acknowledged it was looted but asked for secrecy. A family member, feeling ashamed, contacted Brand to publicize the case and push for restitution. However, legal avenues are blocked due to the statute of limitations, and the Dutch Restitutions Committee cannot compel private returns. Brand, known as the 'Indiana Jones of the art world,' called this the most bizarre case of his career, noting he has recovered Nazi-looted art from the Louvre and the Dutch Royal Collection. The case echoes a 2025 discovery of another Goudstikker painting in Argentina.