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Lecture

Patrick Bade
Han van Meegeren: Master Faker

Sunday 3.05.2026

How to watch

This lecture starts on 3 May at 5:00pm (UK).

Summary

Hans van Meegeren (1889–1947) was the most notorious art forger of the 20th century. After being accused of collaboration for selling a painting by Vermeer to Hermann Göring during the German Occupation of Holland, he achieved worldwide celebrity status when he revealed he had painted the Vermeer himself and proved it by painting yet another copy in prison.

Patrick Bade

An image of Patrick Bade.
Patrick Bade is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. He studied at UCL and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He was a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education for many years and has worked for the Art Fund, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, and V&A. He has published on 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and historical vocal recordings. His latest book is Music Wars: 1937–1945.