Sam van Deventer: A Comprehensive Story of a Renowned Artist
The director of the Kröller-Müller Museum during World War II, Sam van Deventer, was found to have collaborated with the Nazis, according to a new biography. The biography, titled “The Confidant: Sam van Deventer (1888-1972)” by Ariëtte Dekker, reveals troubling details about his involvement with the German occupying forces in the Netherlands. Despite his close relationship with collector Helene Kröller-Müller, who amassed a significant collection of Van Gogh’s work, Van Deventer’s actions during the war have raised serious ethical concerns.
Van Deventer’s role in assisting the Nazis, including hosting a birthday party for a high-ranking Nazi official responsible for sending thousands of Dutch Jews to their deaths, has tarnished his legacy as a prominent figure in the art world. Despite his efforts to protect the museum’s collection from war damage, his collaboration with the Germans, including the sale of valuable artworks to Nazi officials, has cast a shadow over his reputation.
After the war, Van Deventer lived a quiet life, gradually selling off his personal art collection. His actions during the war, including the sale of important artworks to Nazi officials, have raised questions about his ethics and moral judgment. The whereabouts of some of the artworks he sold during the war remain unknown, but efforts have been made to trace their history and ensure their rightful ownership.
Van Deventer’s legacy as a collector and museum director is overshadowed by his actions during the war, highlighting the complexities of art and morality in times of conflict. His personal collection, including works by Van Gogh, has since been bequeathed to the Kröller-Müller Museum, where they serve as a reminder of the dark chapter in the museum’s history.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.