Lost Klimt Painting, “Portrait of Fraulein Lieser,” Resurfaces After a Century

Lost for a century, a Gustav Klimt masterpiece, “Portrait of Fraulein Lieser,” resurfaces in Vienna. Estimated at €50m, it heads for a global auction in April.

Portrait of Fraulein Lieser, Resurfaces After a Century

Vienna, Austria: A remarkable development has unfolded in the art world as a Gustav Klimt masterpiece, believed to have vanished nearly a century ago, has been discovered in Vienna. Titled “Portrait of Fraulein Lieser,” this painting stands as one of the last creations by the world-renowned artist.

The artwork, considered lost for about 100 years, recently emerged from the private collection of an Austrian individual. Reports from Austrian media reveal that the painting’s last public appearance was in 1925, and until now, experts knew of its existence solely through a black and white photograph. The mystery surrounding its whereabouts persisted until it was found adorning the wall of a family villa near Vienna.

Once the possession of the Lieser family, affluent Jewish industrialists in Vienna, the painting has been estimated to be valued at more than €50 million (£42 million) by the Viennese auction house Im Kinsky.

“The rediscovery of this portrait, one of the most beautiful of Klimt’s last creative period, is a sensation,” declared Im Kinsky. “His work, particularly his portraits of successful women from the upper middle class at the turn of the century, enjoy the highest recognition worldwide. A painting of such rarity, artistic significance, and value has not been available on the art market in Central Europe for decades.”

The auction for “Portrait of Fraulein Lieser” is scheduled for April 24, and before that, the painting will be showcased globally. Display stops include locations in Britain, Switzerland, Germany, and Hong Kong, allowing art enthusiasts worldwide to appreciate the rediscovered masterpiece.

This revelation comes on the heels of Klimt’s “Lady with a Fan” fetching an astounding £85.3 million at Sotheby’s in London last June, setting a new record for the highest price achieved by any artwork sold at auction in Europe. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming auction of “Portrait of Fraulein Lieser” underscores the enduring allure and value of Gustav Klimt’s contributions to the art world.