About Bob Scholte
The Art of Rediscovery: Where Passion Meets Research
Introduction & First Steps in Collecting
Not every discovery begins with a treasure map. My journey in the art trade started without a wheelbarrow or capital but was driven by an inner calling and a fascination with stories - of both people and objects. At the age of fourteen, I bought my first painting at an antique market in my hometown Haarlem. From that first purchase, the flow began: two became four, four became eight, and with every step, my eye grew sharper. In this field, every detail counts. Mistakes are costly.
Academic research & skillful sleuthing
With degrees in History (BA, Leiden) and Art History (BA, Leiden & MA, Amsterdam), I did not follow the traditional path toward museums or academia. Instead, I chose the art trade - a place where curiosity, research, and intuition come together.
Part of a new wave of Dutch art dealers blending tradition and innovation, I combine intuition with thorough research, allowing my passion for art and academic background to strengthen each other.
At the Dutch National Police, Art & Antiques Crime Squad, I discovered the dark side of the art market.
A Dealer’s Eye and Methodology
A portion of the artworks I offer on my website consists of rare paintings and drawings from private collections, which I find clients for as a broker.
Beyond that, I actively seek out ‘sleepers’ - forgotten artworks yet to regain their true value. This search starts with a striking detail - or intuitive spark - that catches my eye amid countless auction pieces. Then follows careful research: stylistic comparison, material analysis, archival study, and literature review. Through this process, I uncover lost stories and restore these works’ identity, giving them a voice and rightful place in the artist’s oeuvre.
Early Successes | Breakthrough with André Lhote
Every discovered “sleeper” feels like a victory - a game of patience, dedication, and instinct. My work is not just about buying or selling, but about recognizing what others overlook and acting at the right moment.
In 2020, I found Femme assise (1929) by French Cubist André Lhote on the Dutch market - a painting later included in the official catalogue raisonné of the artist. This discovery attracted national attention and marked my breakthrough. Soon after came a work by a pupil of Jan van Goyen, which confirmed my mission: to rediscover forgotten art and restore its true value.
Collaborations with the National Crime Squad and Art Consultancy
The art trade opened doors to unique collaborations, including my involvement with the National Crime Squad’s Art & Antique Crime Unit. For a year, I gained rare insight into the darker side of the art world: forgeries, theft, fraud, and lost heritage. The lessons I learned there remain the foundation of my work: a trained eye, thorough research, and the courage to trust one’s intuition.
Alongside my dealership, I work as an appraiser at Waardewerk, specializing in art advisory and valuation. At fairs such as PAN and TEFAF, I serve as a quality control assistant, where provenance and authenticity are examined under the strictest scrutiny.
Tableau Magazine Blog 'Art Hunt'
In my column 'Art Hunt' for Tableau Magazine, I share these adventures. I write about my search for quality, the ins and outs of the art market, and the (re)discovery of forgotten masters. After all, it’s about the stories artworks tell, the emotions they evoke, and the meaning we recognize in them - sometimes centuries after their creation.