80 Years Later: A Stolen Masterpiece Resurfaces

In a stunning twist of history, a painting has resurfaced in Argentina that was stolen over 80 years ago by the Nazis from a Jewish art dealer in Amsterdam. This piece, titled 'Portrait of a Lady' by esteemed Italian artist Giuseppe Ghislandi, also known as Fra’ Galgario, was spotted in a real estate listing showcasing a property near Buenos Aires.

The Tragic Backstory

The portrait once belonged to Jacques Goudstikker, a prominent Dutch art dealer who fled his home as the Nazis invaded in May 1940. Tragically, he lost his life while escaping, leaving behind a vast collection of over 1,100 artworks that were sold off under duress for a fraction of their true worth to Nazi bigwig Hermann Göring. Unfortunately, 'Portrait of a Lady' wasn’t among the artworks returned to Goudstikker’s heirs after the war.

Uncovering the Painting's Path

Investigative journalism by the Dutch newspaper AD led to the painting’s discovery within a property listing. Journalists connected the artwork to Friedrich Kadgien, a Nazi official linked to Göring, who fled to Switzerland and later settled in Argentina after the war.

Kadgien, described by US interrogators as a dubious figure, passed away in 1978, but his daughters have repeatedly declined to comment on their father's past and the missing artworks.

Experts Weigh In

Art historians have analyzed the painting featured in the property listing and believe it strongly resembles the missing Ghislandi work. Bram de Klerck from Radboud University noted that the composition matches earlier photographs, although further analysis of the actual painting is necessary for confirmation.

A Family's Quest for Justice

Marei von Saher, Goudstikker's daughter-in-law and the heir to his estate, expressed determination to recover all artworks stolen from her family’s collection. Speaking passionately about her mission, von Saher stated, "My family aims to bring back every single artwork robbed from Jacques’ collection, and to restore his legacy."

The Ongoing Hunt for Artifacts Lost to History

As efforts to contact Kadgien's daughters continue to stall, the quest for these lost masterpieces symbolizes a larger fight against the shadows of history. The recovery of 'Portrait of a Lady' serves as a reminder of the impact of war on cultural heritage and the ongoing struggle for rightful ownership.