In April 2024, the Viennese auction house im Kinsky revealed the discovery of Gustav Klimt Painting. Estimated to sell between $32 million and $53 million, the artwork’s eventual sale for 35 million euros captured the attention of art enthusiasts worldwide.
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The unveiling of Gustav Klimt Painting “Portrait of Fräulein Lieser” at the Viennese auction house, im Kinsky. Painted in 1917, during the artist’s career, this unfinished portrait held secrets in mystery.
Speculations swirled regarding the identity of the subject and the painting’s journey through history particularly during the Nazi era.
On a Wednesday afternoon, The bidding for Gustav Klimt Painting commenced. Patti Wong representing an Asian client placed the winning bid of 35 million euros.
Despite uncertainties surrounding the painting’s provenance and subject, the auction achieved success, the continued demand for works by the Austrian master.
While some posit that she is Margarethe Constance Lieser, daughter of Jewish industrialist Adolf Lieser, others suggest ties to Henriette Lieser, a patron of modern art, and her daughters.
Questions linger regarding its acquisition and ownership, with im Kinsky acknowledging the likelihood of illegal acquisition during the Anschluss.
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Efforts to rectify past wrongs have emerged. The sale of Gustav Klimt Painting “Portrait of Fräulein Lieser” was facilitated under the Washington Principles.
Central to the Gustav Klimt Painting’s allure is the unresolved identity of the depicted woman. While initially believed to be Margarethe Constance Lieser, daughter of Jewish industrialist Adolf Lieser, recent research suggests alternative possibilities.
Henriette Lieser, affectionately known as Lilly emerges as a potential subject. Acquired during the Anschluss, its ownership during the era remains unclear.
Im Kinsky’s acknowledgment of its problematic provenance underlines the complexities of restitution and historical accountability in the art world.
Patti Wong representing an Asian client, clinched the winning bid shows the global interest in Klimt’s oeuvre. Wong’s involvement with her previous record-breaking acquisition of another Gustav Klimt Painting.
The sale of the “Portrait of Fräulein Lieser” adheres to the Washington Principles, the restitution of Nazi-looted art to rightful heirs.
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