Fritz Mannheimer: A Legacy of Art and Finance

Fritz Mannheimer was a true Renaissance man, exceling in both the world of art and finance. He was born in 1885 in Germany.

Mannheimer's entry into the art world was marked by his involvement with the famous art dealer Joseph Duveen. Duveen would go on to play a significant role in shaping Mannheimer's career.

Mannheimer's financial acumen was matched only by his passion for art. He was known for his ability to spot hidden gems, often buying up entire collections at auction.

Fritz Mannheimer had a complex personal life, marked by significant events and relationships.

He married Marie Jane Reiss in 1939, a union that was attended by prominent figures such as Paul Reynaud and Édouard Daladier.

The couple's marriage was a significant milestone, but it was also a tumultuous one, as Mannheimer suffered a heart attack during the wedding and had to be revived with two injections.

Their daughter, Anne France Mannheimer, was born just six months after the marriage and four months after her father's death.

Anne France Mannheimer would later become the second wife of the renowned fashion designer Oscar de la Renta.

Fritz Mannheimer's career was marked by a series of impressive achievements. He got a job in the German Government bureau directing the flow of raw materials through Germany, and at 27, he persuaded Belgian industrialists to accept the paper currency issued in occupied territory.

Mannheimer's financial expertise extended to multiple countries, as he worked simultaneously for the Central Banks of Germany, Austria, Czech, Poland, Hungary, Yugoslavia, and Romania. He was a powerful figure, known for formulating financial policies and accumulating wealth.

Mannheimer's business ventures included organizing the Amsterdam branch of the famous Mendelssohn & Co. Bank, which was independent of the Berlin Mendelssohn bank.

The Stockbroker of Peace was a unique individual who made a name for himself in the financial world. Fritz Mannheimer, a Netherlands banker, was one such person.

In 1939, Mannheimer was mentioned in a newspaper article as being part of a notable group of individuals. This article, published in the Reading Eagle on August 20, 1939, highlights the diverse backgrounds and professions of those listed.

Career and lifestyle can be a delicate balance, but Mannheimer seemed to have mastered it. He got a job in the German Government bureau directing the flow of raw materials through Germany at a young age.

Mannheimer's career took off quickly, and by 27, he was persuading Belgian industrialists to accept the paper currency issued in occupied territory. His first job after the War was organizing the Amsterdam branch of the famous 125-year-old Mendelssohn & Co. Bank.

Mannheimer's influence was immense, and he worked simultaneously for the Central Banks of Germany, Austria, Czech, Poland, Hungary, Yugoslavia, and Romania. He even turned down the presidency of the German Reichsbank twice, suggesting Hjalmar Schacht for the job instead.

Mannheimer's wealth and power were evident in his lavish lifestyle. He bought valuable antiques, including the Eucharistic Dove stolen from Salzburg's Cathedral, and had a collection of Rolls-Royce cars. He maintained two lavish homes, "Villa Protski" in Amsterdam and Villa Monte Cristo near Vaucresson, France.

The contrast between Mannheimer's wealth and his lack of Dutch language skills is striking. After 20 years in the Netherlands, he still couldn't speak enough Dutch to boss his chauffeur. His flamboyant lifestyle and love of luxury cars and homes raised eyebrows among his peers.

Jane's first husband, Friz Mannheimer, was a Jew from Stuttgart. He was a banker by profession.

Jane's husband was involved in the art world, and it's interesting to note that he acquired a painting that was later proven to be a fake. The painting, titled Man and Woman at a Spinet, was initially considered an authentic masterpiece by Vermeer experts, including the renowned art historian Abraham Bredius.

Here are some key facts about Jane's husband:

It's worth mentioning that Jane's husband was not the only one who acquired fake art during this time period. The art world was indeed a complex and often deceitful place, as highlighted in books like "The Lost Masters" by Peter Harclerode and Brendan Pittaway.

Fritz Mannheimer's bank, the Mendelssohn firm, was forcibly liquidated by the Nazis in the same year it was founded.

The assets were transferred to Deutsche Bank, a significant blow to Mannheimer's business empire.

Much of Mannheimer's art collection was purchased by Adolf Hitler in 1941, after the German invasion of the Netherlands.

The lion's share of Mannheimer's collection was acquired by the Rijksmuseum in 1952, when it was repatriated from Germany.

The Rijksmuseum was forced to sell half of the collection by the order of the Dutch Ministry of Finance.

Mannheimer's Amsterdam residence is now used for some of the Rijksmuseum's offices, a poignant reminder of his legacy.