New acquisition for our Special Collections: Marlene Dietrich portrait by Charles Eyck 

A Hollywood star in Maastricht 

In January 1945, Marlene Dietrich visited Maastricht as part of an American convoy, performing for U.S. soldiers stationed in the region. During her stay, she posed for Charles Eyck, who captured her likeness in a drawing that would later inspire a painting. This portrait symbolises hope, resilience, and liberation during a crucial moment in history. 

Along with the portrait, the collection includes fascinating artifacts, such as a signed card by Dietrich for U.S. soldier Charles Harold Gebhardt of the 9th Army and a Christmas menu from Maastricht in December 1944. These pieces offer a vivid snapshot of life during the final months of WWII and Dietrich’s role as a symbol of spirit and freedom. 

Building on last year’s discovery 

This new acquisition ties into our ongoing exploration of Dietrich’s connection to Maastricht. In 2023, we highlighted Eyck’s depiction of Dietrich in the article A Hollywood Star in Maastricht: Marlene Dietrich as Seen by Charles Eyck. 

The Charles Eyck collection

The Marlene Dietrich portrait is a valuable addition to our Charles Eyck collection. This collection includes not only sketches and paintings but also correspondence and photographs, many of which Eyck took himself as inspiration, for photomontages, or as aids in his creative process. While not entirely complete, the collection paints a vivid picture of Eyck’s growth as an artist and individual. His correspondence, in particular, offers candid insights into his personal highs and lows, enriching our understanding of his life and work. 

Preserving History for Future Generations 

The addition of this portrait to our Special Collections ensures that this compelling chapter of Maastricht’s history is preserved and shared with a broad audience. It reflects the University Library’s commitment to showcasing the cultural and historical heritage of our region.