Nazi-looted Toon Kelder painting found in home of Dutch SS commander's heirs

Art detective Arthur Brand announced the discovery of Portrait of a Young Girl by Dutch artist Toon Kelder in the possession of the heirs of Hendrik Seyffardt, a notorious Dutch SS commander and collaborator. The painting is one of over 1,100 works looted by German occupiers from Amsterdam art dealer Jacques Goudstikker. Brand was contacted months ago by an anonymous heir who felt shame about his family's past and wants the painting returned to the rightful Jewish owners. The painting bears a "Collectie Goudstikker" label and number 92, matching an auction listing from 1940 where part of the looted collection was sold. Dutch authorities cannot intervene due to the statute of limitations and the Restitutions Commission's limited jurisdiction over national collections. The current owner, a relative of the heir, claims ignorance of the painting's provenance and says the family is discussing its return. Brand hopes public exposure will pressure the owner to voluntarily return the work. The case echoes the discovery of another Goudstikker painting, Portrait of a Lady by Giuseppe Ghislandi, found last year in Argentina in a property owned by a former Nazi official.