Rembrandt in a Red Beret: The vanishings and reappearances of a self-portrait

The book "Rembrandt in a Red Beret: The Vanishing and Reappearances of a Self-Portrait" follows the journey of a famous painting, purchased by King Willem II in 1823 and stolen in 1921, returning to Germany in 1947 after legal battles. It explores the painting's history as a valuable collectors item and its critical reception as a Rembrandt self-portrait, with experts concluding it is a genuine work by the master.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 23 January 2023
Publisher: Uitgeverij WBOOKS

Rembrandt in a red beret: The Vanishing and Reappearances of a Self-Portrait

This captivating book delves into the intriguing story of a remarkable painting, tracing its journey through time and the various twists and turns it encounters. The painting, a self-portrait of the renowned artist Rembrandt, has a history that is almost too incredible to be true. In 1823, it was purchased by the future King Willem II as one of his earliest acquisitions for his extraordinary collection of paintings, which became the most comprehensive collection assembled by a Dutch individual. For nearly a century, it remained with his heirs, passing through Weimar before being stolen from the Weimar Museum in 1921. Incredibly, it resurfaced in 1945, found in Dayton, Ohio, in the possession of a man who claimed to have acquired it in 1934 from a German sailor on the New York waterfront.

The subsequent events, previously undisclosed, are now revealed based on declassified U.S. government information. In 1947, the U.S. government seized the Rembrandt under strict terms, making it difficult for them to return it to Germany 20 years later. However, through legislative and diplomatic maneuvers, they were able to accomplish this task. Upon its return, an heir to the Weimar title sued for the restitution of the painting, and after a series of trials, she ultimately succeeded in obtaining it. In 1983, the painting was sold to a private collector, who still owns it today.

Since 1921, the painting has been on public display only for brief periods, including 10 days in Dayton in 1947 and 10 weeks in Washington in 1967. The book also provides a critical history of the painting as a Rembrandt, examining the disputes surrounding its authorship. In 1969, Horst Gerson disputed the painting's attribution, an opinion that was supported by the Rembrandt Research Project. However, renowned Rembrandt specialist Gary Schwartz conducted a thorough examination of all the evidence and arguments, ultimately concluding that there is no reason to reject the painting as a self-portrait of Rembrandt, painted by his own hand.

This captivating tale of the Rembrandt painting serves as a testament to the enduring fascination with art and the mysteries that surround it. It sheds light on the complex legal and political battles that can arise over artistic masterpieces and the lengths to which governments and individuals will go to preserve and protect them. The painting's journey from its theft in 1921 to its eventual return in 1983, and its subsequent display in Dayton and Washington, highlights the power of art to transcend time and connect people across generations. Whether one believes the painting to be a genuine Rembrandt or not, its story remains a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the greatest artists in history.

Dimension: 250 x 190 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789462585348