A significant piece of art, the Portrait of a Lady by Italian artist Giuseppe Ghislandi, has been discovered within a property listed for sale in Argentina. More than 80 years after its theft from Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker in Amsterdam by Nazi officials, this finding highlights the continuing legacy of art theft during the Second World War.
The painting was found hanging in a house previously owned by a senior Nazi official who fled Europe after the war. Dutch newspaper AD reports that the painting was identified following the house being listed for sale by the daughter of the former owner.
Notably, the painting has been included in a database cataloging lost wartime art, which greatly aided in its recovery process.
This artwork is among many pieces stolen from Goudstikker, who used his influence to assist other Jews during the war before ultimately losing his life while fleeing.
Over the years, several pieces from his collection have been returned, but the Portrait of a Lady remained elusive until now, revealing wartime documents that traced its ownership back to Friedrich Kadgien, an SS officer part of the Nazi regime.
Despite attempts by the media to connect with Kadgien's daughters, comment has been scant, with one reportedly expressing ignorance about the painting. Meanwhile, the heirs of Goudstikker's estate remain committed to reclaiming every artwork associated with their ancestor, as they seek to restore his legacy.
The painting was found hanging in a house previously owned by a senior Nazi official who fled Europe after the war. Dutch newspaper AD reports that the painting was identified following the house being listed for sale by the daughter of the former owner.
Notably, the painting has been included in a database cataloging lost wartime art, which greatly aided in its recovery process.
This artwork is among many pieces stolen from Goudstikker, who used his influence to assist other Jews during the war before ultimately losing his life while fleeing.
Over the years, several pieces from his collection have been returned, but the Portrait of a Lady remained elusive until now, revealing wartime documents that traced its ownership back to Friedrich Kadgien, an SS officer part of the Nazi regime.
Despite attempts by the media to connect with Kadgien's daughters, comment has been scant, with one reportedly expressing ignorance about the painting. Meanwhile, the heirs of Goudstikker's estate remain committed to reclaiming every artwork associated with their ancestor, as they seek to restore his legacy.
