The so-called Boerenverdriet on the Spui in Amsterdam

Conclusion

Since it is unclear when, where, and from whom May acquired this painting, and the fact that it was in Germany in 1928, its provenance is uncertain.

Explanation

The Ministry of Education, Sciences, and Cultural Conservation acquired the work in 1944, and the purchase of this painting by Ekels was definitively registered in the inventory book of the Rijksmuseum in 1946. The object was in custody of the Rijksmuseum since 1942. As appears from a document dated 9 April 1946 in the museum’s archive, Robert May stated that he agreed to the sale of his collection to the Dutch State during the occupation, and the conditions under which this took place.

Reconstruction origin

1928

A.S. Drey (art dealer), Munich

Witt Library fiche no. 11603

?<>1940

Robert Heinrich May (collection), Huis ter Heide

Museum archive R.May, list 12 november 1940 (as Stork)

1940<>1944

Lippmann Rosenthal Bank Spiegelstraat, Amsterdam

Museum archive R.May, list 12 november 1940 (as Stork)

1944

Ministry of Education, Sciences and Cultural Conservation, The Hague

Museum Archive R. May, Letter 22 June 1944, as Stork

1946-01

Transfer to the museum from the Ministry of Education, Sciences and Cultural Conservation

Inventory book

1946-01<> present day

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam