9. Alois Miedl and Van Meegeren worked together in the sale of art in Europe
The Munich-born banker Alois Miedl served as a director in numerous German banks, as well as other companies, before moving to Amsterdam in 1932. There he frequented the homes of prominent citizens, including van Meegeren’s. He became a prominent figure in the art world, as a collector and agent for other collectors. Miedl’s half-Jewish wife made them welcome in the homes of prominent Dutch Jews, especially among the wealthy. Back in Germany, Miedl’s wealth and knowledge of art made him a friend of several prominent Nazi Party members. Miedl thus straddled both sides of the fence when the Germans invaded the Netherlands, at least to appearances.
In reality, he was a major figure in the looting of art in the Netherlands, as well as in other countries, for leading Nazis as well as for himself. Miedl obtained art through blackmail, coercion, or simple confiscation when dealing with Jewish collectors. His nefarious activities did not limit themselves to art. Miedl seized businesses, and operated others as fronts for German organizations such as the Abwehr. He sheltered some Jews who worked as his agents from the Gestapo. Others, including two of his assistants, he turned over to the German and Dutch authorities. Miedl also worked, through agents and directly, with van Meegeren, buying and selling works of art for other notable collectors.