Recovered Nazi-Looted Painting Returned After 80 Years
Authorities in Argentina have retrieved an 18th-century painting stolen decades ago from a Jewish art dealer in Amsterdam after it was accidentally identified in a property listing.
The artwork, Portrait of a Lady (Contessa Colleoni) by Italian artist Giuseppe Ghislandi, was taken during World War II. It was surrendered to Argentinian officials by Patricia Kadgien, daughter of Friedrich Kadgien, a former Nazi financier. Kadgien and her husband have been under house arrest since Tuesday.
Prosecutors claim the couple attempted to hide the stolen piece. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday regarding accusations of concealment and obstruction of justice. Lawyers representing Kadgien did not provide a statement when contacted by CuriosityNews.
A Dutch newspaper traced the painting following an extensive investigation. Last week, the discovery accelerated after a reporter found Kadgien’s home listed online in Mar del Plata. A photograph in the listing showed the artwork—last documented in 1946 as part of the collection of Dutch Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker—displayed in the couple’s living room. The newspaper published its findings on 25 August.
The following day, federal prosecutor Carlos Martínez authorized a search of the property, but the painting had already been removed. Authorities confiscated two unregistered firearms and mobile phones during the operation.
Further searches on Monday uncovered two additional paintings, believed to be from the 19th century, along with several drawings and engravings. Officials are examining whether these items were also looted during the war.
A federal court in Mar del Plata ordered a 72-hour house arrest for Kadgien and her husband on Tuesday.
After World War II, many high-ranking Nazis fled to South America. Friedrich Kadgien escaped the Netherlands in 1946, moving first to Switzerland, then Brazil, and finally Argentina, where he had two daughters. The painting is thought to have been in his possession until his death in Buenos Aires in 1978.
The portrait was among over 1,000 works the Nazis seized from Goudstikker, who died in 1940 while fleeing occupied Europe.
Heirs of Goudstikker intend to reclaim the artwork, according to reports.
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