Summary

"The Last Vermeer: The True Story of Art, Forgery, and the Greatest Trial of the Twentieth Century" by Jonathan Lopez delves into the intricate life of Han van Meegeren, a Dutch artist who became notorious for forging works by Johannes Vermeer and other masters. The book unveils a complex narrative that goes beyond simple art forgery, exploring the cultural and political landscape of the Netherlands during World War II and the post-war period.

The book meticulously traces Van Meegeren's early life, marked by artistic frustrations and a growing resentment towards the established art critics. These frustrations, combined with a talent for mimicry and a deep understanding of artistic techniques, led him down the path of forgery. Lopez uncovers the details of Van Meegeren's methods, revealing how he mastered the styles of various artists, including Vermeer, and how he exploited the art market's vulnerabilities to pass off his creations as authentic.

As the war unfolds, Van Meegeren's story becomes intertwined with the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. The book explores his complex relationship with Nazi figures, including Hermann Goering, to whom he famously sold a forged Vermeer. Lopez examines the motivations behind Van Meegeren's actions, suggesting that his collaboration with the Nazis was driven by a combination of opportunism, a desire for recognition, and a deep-seated resentment towards the art establishment.

In the aftermath of the war, Van Meegeren's arrest and trial become a spectacle. Accused of collaboration for selling a Dutch national treasure to the enemy, he makes the shocking revelation that he himself had painted the Vermeer. Lopez analyzes the trial, highlighting the public's fascination with Van Meegeren's audacity and his ability to outwit the experts. The book also examines the motivations of Joseph Piller, the Allied investigator who initially arrested Van Meegeren but later became his unlikely advocate.

Beyond the sensational aspects of Van Meegeren's story, "The Last Vermeer" offers a nuanced exploration of art, authenticity, and the power of perception. Lopez raises questions about the nature of artistic genius, the role of experts in determining value, and the complex interplay between art and politics. The book ultimately paints a portrait of a flawed and enigmatic figure whose actions continue to provoke debate and fascination.