About Art Dealer Bob Scholte
The joy of seeing what no one else sees
Introduction & First Steps in Collecting
Not every discovery begins with a treasure map. My journey in the art world began without any capital or shortcuts, yet fueled by a fascination with stories, both of people and of objects. At the age of fourteen, I purchased my first painting at an antiques market on the Dreef in Haarlem. That first acquisition set the process in motion. As you might know, paintings have a way of multiplying themselves. With each step, my eye grew sharper. In this profession, every detail matters, and mistakes are costly.
Academic research & skillful sleuthing
With degrees in History (BA, Leiden) and Art History (BA, Leiden & MA, Amsterdam), I chose the art trade, a field where curiosity, research, and intuition come together.
As a representative of a new generation of art dealers, I seek, find, and present both established and niche artists who are more than decorative. Artists whose talent has long been overlooked, who fill gaps in museum collections and provoke cultural and societal debate. In other words, art that is genuinely needed. It is a deeply rewarding and endlessly enjoyable pursuit.
At the Dutch National Police, Art & Antiques Crime Squad, I came face to face with the dark side of the art market.
A Dealer’s Eye and Methodology
I combine three complementary roles within the art market. First, I manage a collection of exceptional paintings and drawings, which I offer through my network and brokerage practice.
Second, I act as an acquisition agent for collectors, tracking down specific works or artists, such as Jan Mankes, Carel de Nerée tot Babberich, Nola Hatterman, and Escher, and securing them on their behalf.
Third, I hunt for and conduct research on ‘sleepers,’ forgotten or undervalued artworks. It always begins with a striking detail, an intuitive spark amidst the endless flow of works at auctions. This is followed by meticulous investigation, including stylistic comparison, material analysis, archival research, and literature study. In this way, I unravel forgotten stories and restore the identity of paintings.
Early Successes: Dutch TV debut with André Lhote
Every discovered “sleeper” feels like a victory. It's 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. 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 & 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.