A missing 18th century painting stolen by Nazis during World War Two has turned up in photos of a house for sale near Buenos Aires, Argentina. The artwork, Portrait of a Lady by Italian artist Giuseppe Ghislandi, was taken from a Jewish art dealer in 1940 and vanished for over 80 years until Dutch reporters spotted it online this week.
How the Lost Painting Was Rediscovered
Dutch journalists from a major newspaper had hunted for the painting for almost ten years. They focused on Friedrich Kadgien, a senior Nazi official who worked as a financial advisor to Hermann Goering.
Kadgien fled to Argentina after the war, bringing stolen items including this painting. Reporters traced his family to a home in Mar del Plata.
One journalist visited the property but got no answer at the door. He saw a for sale sign and checked the online listing later.
While scrolling through the photos, they noticed the painting hanging above a sofa in the living room. Experts from the Netherlands confirmed it matched the missing artwork.
The discovery happened on August 26, 2025, sparking quick action from authorities.
The History Behind the Theft
Jacques Goudstikker, a prominent Jewish art dealer in Amsterdam, owned a large collection of valuable pieces. When Nazis invaded the Netherlands in 1940, they seized over 1,100 items from him.
Goudstikker died in a ship accident while escaping to safety. His family fought for years to recover the art.
Portrait of a Lady, painted around 1720, shows a woman in elegant dress. It passed to Goering, then to Kadgien.
Kadgien escaped justice and lived in Argentina until his death in 1978. His daughters inherited the house where the painting appeared.
Experts say Nazis looted about 650,000 artworks during the war. Many remain missing, with efforts ongoing to return them to rightful owners.
- Common types of looted art: Paintings, sculptures, and jewelry from Jewish families.
- Famous recoveries: Works by artists like Picasso and Monet returned in recent years.
- Challenges: Proving ownership after decades and tracking items across continents.
What Happened After the Discovery
Argentine police acted fast once alerted. They raided the home on August 27, 2025, but found the painting gone.
A prosecutor stated it was no longer there. The family claims no knowledge of its stolen history.
Interpol now searches for the artwork. Goudstikker’s last heir hopes to reclaim it through legal channels.
This case highlights ongoing issues with Nazi looted art. Similar stories include a Monet painting found in a U.S. museum last year and returned to French heirs.
Authorities believe the painting stayed with Kadgien’s family for 80 years. Without physical inspection, full confirmation waits.
Impact on Art Recovery Efforts
This event boosts global awareness of stolen cultural items. Organizations like the World Jewish Restitution Organization push for returns.
In 2025, new laws in Europe require museums to check origins of old artworks. Argentina has cooperated in past cases involving Nazi fugitives.
The painting’s value could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars today. Its return would honor Goudstikker’s legacy.
Experts stress education on this history to prevent future losses.
| Key Facts About the Painting | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Giuseppe Ghislandi |
| Title | Portrait of a Lady |
| Year Created | Around 1720 |
| Stolen From | Jacques Goudstikker, Amsterdam |
| Last Known Owner Before Theft | Jewish art dealer |
| Discovered In | House listing near Buenos Aires, August 2025 |
| Current Status | Missing after police raid |
Why This Matters Today
Stories like this remind us of World War Two’s lasting scars. They connect past injustices to modern justice efforts.
Families still seek closure decades later. This discovery shows how everyday actions, like selling a house, can uncover hidden truths.
As searches continue, more artworks may surface in unexpected places.
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