An auction house in Europe is set to auction a painting by Gustav Klimt on Wednesday, with an estimated value of at least 30 million euros (about $32 million).
The painting’s subject, provenance, and current ownership are shrouded in mystery, adding to the intrigue of the sale.
The auction will be conducted by im Kinsky, a local house in Vienna, known for its previous sales of notable artworks.
The portrait, titled “Portrait of Fräulein Lieser,” has sparked debates about the identity of the young woman depicted and what transpired during the Anschluss period.
The painting’s history dates back to 1917 in Vienna when a teenage girl from a wealthy Jewish family posed for Klimt. However, the identity of the subject remains uncertain.
Recent research suggests that the portrait may depict one of Lilly Lieser’s daughters, with conflicting opinions from experts on the subject’s identity.
The painting’s ownership history is complex, with connections to the Nazi period and subsequent events that have raised questions about its rightful heirs.
Legal agreements have been reached between the current owners and the descendants of the Lieser family, settling some restitution issues related to the painting.
The auction of the painting has been granted an export license by the Austrian Federal Monuments Authority, allowing for its sale under certain circumstances.
Despite ongoing debates about the subject’s identity, the auction catalog will not be changed, emphasizing the importance of accurate research and legal considerations in resolving ownership disputes.
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