About Bob Scholte Fine Art
Where passion meets academic research
The art of discovery: my journey as an art dealer
Not every discovery begins with a treasure map. My journey in the art trade began without any start-up capital, but was driven by an inner calling – a fascination with stories, not just those of people, but of objects. At the age of 14, I purchased my first painting at an antique market. I sold that one purchase, which turned into two, then four, and so on. I grew my collection step by step, relying on careful choices and a sharp eye. In this profession, every detail matters. Mistakes are costly.
Academic research & skillful sleuthing
This approach, fueled by passion, curiosity, and academic interest, guided me further. With a background in History (BA, Leiden) and Art History (BA, Leiden; MA, Amsterdam), I never felt at home in museums, galleries, or education, but rather in the world of art dealing. It was then that I decided to pursue a professional career in the art trade. As one of the youngest art dealers in the Netherlands, I combine intuition with thorough research, where my passion for art and academic background complement and strengthen one another.
" At the National Police, Art & Antiques Crime Team, I discovered the dark side of the art market "
The dealer's eye: recognizing what you see
My work begins with a detail that catches my eye amidst the flow of anonymous artworks at (inter)national auctions – an intuitive spark that leads to careful investigation. Through style comparison and archival research, I uncover forgotten stories hidden in works that have been overlooked. I transform these discoveries from anonymous pieces into unique artworks, restored with renewed identity and significance. I restore these discoveries to their lost identity and significance, allowing them to speak again as silent witnesses.
Patience and instinct: my first remarkable find
Every 'sleeper' I uncover feels like a victory – not just for me, but also for the art itself. It is a game of patience, dedication, and instinct. What I do is not just about buying and selling, but about recognizing what others fail to see and acting at the right moment.
A pivotal moment in my career was the discovery of Femme assise (1929), created by the French Cubist André Lhote. I purchased the piece in the Netherlands and later added it to the official catalogue raisonné in Paris. This discovery gained attention in the Dutch media, including the talk show Eva Jinek. A few weeks later, I came across a work attributed to a pupil of Jan van Goyen, opening the door to many more discoveries. It was a confirmation of my mission: to rediscover what seemed forgotten.
Unique collaborations: crime police & art fairs
The art trade has opened doors to unique collaborations, such as my involvement with the National Police, Art & Antiques Crime Team. For a year, I looked behind the scenes of the art world and discovered its darker side. I encountered forgeries, stolen works, and lost heritage. But I also learned what is indispensable: a trained eye, thorough research, and the courage to trust one’s intuition. In addition to my work as an art dealer, I am affiliated with Waardewerk, a leading partnership specializing in Art Appraisal & Consultancy. I am also active at the art fairs PAN and TEFAF, where I assist with the vetting process.
Art as a life's purpose: Tableau Magazine blog
In my regular column 'Art hunt' in Tableau Magazine, I share my adventures. I write about the gems I’ve unearthed: once cherished, forgotten and now rediscovered. A selection of these finds is featured in a blog on the website. Ultimately, this is what it’s all about: the stories artworks tell, the emotions they evoke, and the quality they radiate.
Guided by a strong moral compass, I conduct business in a way that ensures everyone leaves satisfied. The prices are fair and transparant, and the quality is assured. At Bob Scholte Fine Art, artworks are exceptional artifacts from a golden era that connect the past with the present. They must shine on the wall, be seen, and cherished. For me, this is not just work; it is my life’s purpose.