Missing Gustav Klimt Portrait $54Mil
'Bildnis Fraeulein Lieser' (Portrait of Miss Lieser) by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt (1862 - 1918) during a press conference of the Kinsky Art Auction House in Vienna, Austria on January 25, 2024. Roland Schlager/APA/AFP via Getty Images
I've got some interesting news that's sure to spark excitement! Imagine a masterpiece by Gustav Klimt, hidden away from the world's eyes for nearly a century, now stepping into the limelight, ready to dazzle us all at an upcoming auction this spring. Yep, you heard it right! The "Portrait of Fräulein Lieser," a gem thought to be among Klimt's final strokes of genius, is on the brink of setting the art world abuzz, with whispers of fetching a cool $54 million.
Tucked away and deemed lost for ages, this treasure, according to the folks at Vienna's im Kinsky auction house, has been cozily sitting in the hands of a private Austrian collector. "The rediscovery of this portrait, a pinnacle of Klimt's late creative flair, is nothing short of a sensation," says the auction house. And trust me, the hype is real!
For the longest time, all we had was a black and white snapshot to feed our imaginations. But the real deal? It's a riot of colors, bursting with life, showcasing Klimt's unparalleled knack for capturing the essence of his subjects against mesmerizing backdrops.
Gustav Klimt and Bildnis Fraeulein Lieser
Top-Rated Sketch Book
9x12 inches
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Now, who was this Fräulein Lieser, you ask? Well, she hailed from a wealthy Austrian Jewish family, rubbing shoulders with Vienna's elite, where Klimt found many an admirer and patron. The plot thickens with a bit of a mystery around her true identity, though. Was she the daughter of industrial magnates Adolf or Justus Lieser? The debate continues, but one thing's for sure - she graced Klimt's studio multiple times in 1917, inspiring at least 25 preliminary sketches and the stunning portrait that emerged that May.
Klimt chose a three-quarter pose for her, draping her in a floral cape against a vibrant red backdrop, his brushstrokes loose and lively, a testament to his mastery at the peak of his career.
Sadly, Klimt's untimely death left the painting unfinished in his studio, later returning to the Lieser family. Its journey from there until it surfaced in the '60s, passing through generations to its current owner, is shrouded in mystery.
English News - Gustav Klimt portrait found after almost 100 years
This sale isn't just about passing on a piece of art; it's a nod to history, respecting the Washington Principles of 1998 aimed at returning art confiscated during the Nazi era to rightful heirs. It's a story of reconciliation, of art bridging gaps between past and present.
Klimt's female portraits are rare jewels in the auction world, and this one's no exception. Its rarity, artistic brilliance, and anticipated value mark a historic moment for Central Europe's art market, unseen for decades.
Before the big day on April 24, this portrait will globe-trot, making stops in Switzerland, Germany, Britain, and Hong Kong. It's a prelude to what might just become another record-breaking sale, reminiscent of last year's "Dame mit Fächer" (Lady with a Fan), which soared to £85.3 million in London, setting a new benchmark for Klimt's work.
So, stay tuned, art warriors! This spring promises to unveil a story woven with mystery, history, and the undeniable charm of Klimt's legacy. What a time to be alive and witness the power of art to move, to astonish, and to connect us across time and space.
