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The Art Forger Who Swindled the Nazis
If an accused is found guilty, he tries to prove his innocence. But a trial held on 29 October 1947 was one of the strangest trials in Dutch history — the accused had to prove he was a criminal to save his life. Han van Meegeran, after the trial, was considered a national hero who fooled the Nazis.
I Am Capable of Nothing
Han van Meegeren belonged to a middle-class family. He was the third of five children. His father was a history and French teacher. Like other parents, he loved his son dearly but with all the love he had expectations from him. He wanted him to be an architect.
Oftentimes, Han’s father would make him write a negative affirmation that put a lifetime effect on him.
“I know nothing, I am nothing, I am capable of nothing.”
But still, Van Meegeren was not going to give up on his dreams so easily because he found a mentor who helped pave his path towards his dream. Van Meegeren studied architecture(though he didn’t take the final exam) but his priority was Art.
In 1913, he received Gold Medal for his Study of the Interior of the Church of…
