Argentine Police Recover Nazi-Looted Painting After Weeklong Hunt
UPDATE: Argentine authorities have successfully recovered an 18th-century painting looted by the Nazis, just over a week after it was spotted in a property advertisement. The artwork, titled “Portrait of a Lady” by Italian baroque painter Giuseppe Ghislandi, was missing for 80 years before its recent discovery in the home of Patricia Kadgien, the daughter of a senior SS officer who fled to Argentina after World War II.
The dramatic recovery unfolded following a global hunt that captured the attention of art enthusiasts and historians alike. Argentine prosecutors confirmed on September 27, 2023, that Kadgien’s lawyer returned the painting after authorities initially found no trace of it during a raid prompted by a tip-off. “It’s in good condition for its age, dating back to 1710,” said art expert Ariel Bassano, who estimates its value at approximately $50,000.
The painting gained international notoriety when it was photographed hanging above a sofa in Kadgien’s living room, featured in a property listing in the prestigious seaside resort of Mar del Plata. The artwork was part of a larger collection of over 1,000 pieces stolen from Jacques Goudstikker, a Dutch Jewish art dealer, during the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands in 1940. Its sudden appearance in a real estate ad led to a flurry of media coverage and excitement on both sides of the Atlantic.
However, the excitement quickly turned to confusion as the painting vanished shortly after its identification. Following the unveiling, Kadgien and her husband were placed under house arrest on September 26, as police continued searching for the elusive artwork. Reports indicate that the couple admitted to owning the portrait but claimed any potential lawsuit regarding its ownership would be subject to the statute of limitations.
Legal experts suggest that if framed within the context of the genocide against Jews during World War II, the crime may not be bound by these limitations. Kadgien’s attorney, Carlos Murias, stated that prosecutors are considering charges of “concealing smuggling” against his clients.
The investigation began after Dutch journalist Peter Schouten visited Kadgien’s home to discuss her father’s past. During his visit, he spotted a for-sale sign and, after searching online, recognized the painting in a photo of the house’s interior. “I freaked out, of course,” Schouten recalled. He immediately alerted officials in the Netherlands, who confirmed the authenticity of the artwork.
This astonishing case highlights the ongoing struggle to reclaim art stolen during the Holocaust, with many pieces still unaccounted for. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on the implications of this recovery for victims’ families and the art world at large.
Authorities are now working to ensure the painting’s rightful ownership is established, while art historians are eager to see how this recovery may reshape narratives surrounding stolen artworks from this dark chapter in history. As developments continue to emerge, this story serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of historical injustices.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
