A long-lost masterpiece by the iconic artist Gustav Klimt, titled “Portrait of Fräulein Lieser,” has been sold at auction for $32 million. This sale marked the painting’s return to the public after nearly a century of obscurity, sparking excitement and speculation within the art community. The portrait, believed to be one of Klimt’s final works, was sold at the lower end of its estimated range but still managed to captivate a global audience.
A Rediscovered Masterpiece
Klimt’s Lost Treasure Surfaces
For decades, “Portrait of Fräulein Lieser” was considered lost. Its recent emergence from a private Austrian collection has been hailed as a significant event in the art world. The Vienna auction house im Kinsky revealed that an Austrian citizen had privately owned the painting before its auction. The auction house described the rediscovery as “a sensation,” noting the artwork’s beauty and importance in Klimt’s oeuvre.
A Portrait with History
Unveiling the Mysterious Fräulein Lieser
The identity of Fräulein Lieser has been a subject of intrigue and speculation. Initial records suggested she was the daughter of Adolf Lieser, a prominent industrialist. However, recent research indicates the portrait might depict one of the daughters of Justus Lieser, another influential figure of the time. The painting captures the sitter in a frontal pose against a vivid, undefined background, draped in a floral-decorated cape, showcasing Klimt’s transition to a looser, more expressive brushstroke in his late period.
The Auction Event
Sale Amidst High Expectations
Despite the excitement it generated, “Portrait of Fräulein Lieser” sold for €30 million, the lower end of its estimated €30 million-€50 million range, not including auction fees. This price contrasts sharply with the record-breaking €85.3 million fetched by another Klimt painting the previous year. The auction highlighted the unpredictable nature of art valuations and the unique allure of Klimt’s works.
Provenance and Principles
Navigating Art History and Ethics
The provenance of “Portrait of Fräulein Lieser” has been meticulously verified by Claudia Mörth-Gasser, a modern art specialist at im Kinsky. Despite thorough research, gaps in the painting’s history during World War II remain, prompting an agreement under the Washington Principles to ensure ethical handling of its sale. This agreement reflects ongoing efforts to address historical injustices in art ownership.
The sale of “Portrait of Fräulein Lieser” highlights Gustav Klimt’s enduring legacy and underscores the complexities of art provenance and the ethical responsibilities of auction houses. As this painting resumes its place in public, it serves as a poignant reminder of the intersections between art, history, and justice, continuing to inspire and provoke debate among art lovers and historians alike.
