History Daily: The Arrest of an Art Forger
Hosted by Lindsey Graham | Released on May 29, 2025
Introduction
On this episode of History Daily, host Lindsey Graham delves into the intriguing and tumultuous life of Han von Majoren, a talented artist whose ambition led him down the precarious path of art forgery. The story intertwines personal struggles, artistic fervor, and the dark shadows of World War II, culminating in Han's arrest and ultimate downfall.
Early Life and Artistic Aspirations
Han von Majoren's journey begins in 1907 in Deventer, the Netherlands. From a young age, Han was passionate about art, dedicating every spare moment to drawing and painting. However, his father, a schoolteacher, disapproved of his artistic pursuits, insisting that Han pursue a more "respectable" profession. This familial tension is poignantly captured when young Han is forced to write repetitive lines as punishment:
"I know nothing. I am nothing. I am capable of nothing." ([03:30])
Undeterred by his father's disapproval, Han sets out to study architecture at the Delft University of Technology. His breakthrough comes in 1913 when one of his paintings wins first prize in a competition, igniting his confidence to abandon architecture for art school. This pivotal decision, however, strains his relationship with his father and introduces financial pressures as Han struggles to gain recognition.
Rise to Success and Personal Turmoil
Despite his dedication, Han's art initially fails to garner significant attention. Galleries reject his work, and sales are meager, pushing him into depression. To make ends meet, he resorts to commercial art and takes a part-time job as a teaching assistant at the Royal Academy of Art. These endeavors, rather than alleviating his despair, exacerbate his feelings of inadequacy.
Han's turning point comes through the unwavering support of his wife, Johanna, who organizes his first solo exhibition in 1917. The event is a resounding success, selling all displayed works within four weeks and establishing Han as an in-demand artist. However, newfound fame brings personal complications as Han embarks on an affair with Johanna's friend, Johanna Ullermans, a renowned Dutch actress. This betrayal not only devastates his wife but also creates professional enemies, particularly among influential art critics.
"This betrayal is devastating for Han's wife. But she's not the only one hurt by this new relationship." ([07:00])
The affair and subsequent backlash culminate in Han's second solo exhibition in 1922, which disastrously fails. Harsh criticism from art experts undermines his reputation, leading to his divorce in March 1923. Grappling with depression and anger, Han vows revenge against those who dismissed his artistic vision.
Descent into Forgery
Determined to reclaim his status, Han shifts his focus to art forgery, targeting the masterpieces of renowned artists like Johannes Vermeer. Over six years, he meticulously develops techniques to age his paintings convincingly. This process involves using genuine 17th-century canvases, replicating old paint formulas, and employing chemical treatments to simulate age-related wear.
In 1937, Han's method proves successful when his latest forgery, Jesus among the Doctors, is authenticated by Dr. Abraham Bredius, a prominent Dutch art historian. The painting is lauded as a "new Vermeer," enabling Han to sell it for over $5 million—a stark contrast to the rejection he previously faced.
"Han can't tell anyone the truth, of course, but he thrills in the idea that he's outwitted the critics." ([07:30])
This success emboldens Han to produce more forgeries, which he sells to unsuspecting collectors, including high-ranking Nazis like Hermann Goering. His lucrative scheme thrives even during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, allowing Han to amass significant wealth.
The Arrest and Legal Battle
The downfall begins when one of Han's forgeries, Christ with the Adulteress, is seized by Allied soldiers after the collapse of Hitler's regime. Tracing the painting back to Han, authorities arrest him on May 29, 1945, charging him with aiding and abetting the Nazis. Facing the death penalty, Han is confronted with the dilemma of either maintaining his innocence or confessing to his forgery.
Han's confession is met with skepticism by art experts, who refuse to believe that he could have replicated Vermeer's intricate style. In a desperate bid to prove his innocence, Han proposes to create a genuine Vermeer under court supervision. This unprecedented move successfully saves his life, as the newly created painting closely matches his previous forgeries in authenticity.
"His newest forgery has saved Han's life, and he is cleared of charges of collaborating with the Nazis." ([16:31])
Conclusion and Legacy
Though Han avoids execution, he still faces charges of forgery and fraud. In 1947, he is convicted and sentenced to a year in prison. However, Han never serves his sentence, succumbing to a heart attack shortly after his conviction. By the time of his death at age 58, Han von Majoren is remembered not merely as a criminal but as a folk hero who outsmarted the Nazis.
His legacy is a complex tapestry of artistic genius, personal tragedy, and moral ambiguity. Han's forgeries, while financially successful, ultimately define his life's narrative, highlighting the fine line between admiration and deceit in the art world.
"Though today his forgeries may seem crude to modern sensibilities, Han made himself a fortune by skillfully exploiting the art world's greatest eagerness to unearth lost old masters." ([16:31])
Final Thoughts
Han von Majoren's story serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths to which passion and desperation can drive an individual. It also underscores the fragile nature of reputation and the enduring impact of one's actions on history.
Credits
Written and Researched by Joe Godley | Edited by Scott Reeves | Managing Producer: Emily Burke | Executive Producers: William Simpson (Airship) and Pascal Hughes (Noiser)
Audio Editing by Mohammed Shazi | Sound Design by Gabriel Gould | Supervising Sound Designer: Matthew Filler | Music by Throwing
Next Episode Preview: On May 30, 1431, explore the tragic execution of Joan of Arc, delving into the historical and cultural ramifications of her martyrdom.