History’s Greatest Art Forger | Han van Meegeren (1889-1947)

Consider Supporting HoH: In 1946, the second world war had just ended, a Dutch artist and art collector stood trial in Amsterdam. His charge? Collaboration, for selling cherished cultural heritage to the Nazis. He earned millions. His sales came to light after a Vermeer painting was found in Hermann Görings art collection, which was traced back to him, Han van Meegeren. He was facing years in prison and even the death penalty. The trial took an unexpected turn when it became evident he hadn’t sold a real Vermeer to the Nazis, but an extremely detailed forgery. The court was sceptical at first but it soon became clear he hadn’t just swindled Göring, but the entire art world, for decades. My Twitter: Watch my documentary series: End of Empire - Downfall of the Qing Dynasty playlist: Hitler’s Spies playlist: