Gustav Klimt’s long-lost painting, “Portrait of Fraulein Lieser” has been rediscovered. Valued at an astonishing $54 million, this portrait showcases a member of a wealthy Austrian Jewish family. The discovery, hailed by the BBC, is a sensational addition to the world of art.

A Sensational Find

In the heart of Vienna, art enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement. Gustav Klimt’s “Portrait of Fraulein Leiser” has resurfaced after nearly a hundred years. This extraordinary find has not only captivated art lovers but also sparked curiosity about its mysterious past.

The Portrait’s Journey

The history of this masterpiece over the past century remains somewhat enigmatic. We know it came into its current owners’ possession in the 1960s. Its reappearance is a marvel, especially considering its significant artistic and monetary value.

Kinsky Auction House, responsible for its unveiling, has declared this rediscovery a sensation. “To find a work of such rarity, artistic significance, and value is unprecedented in recent decades in the Central European art market,” they stated in a press release.

International Spotlight

Before its auction in April, the painting is making rounds across the globe. Its tour includes prestigious locations in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, and Hong Kong. This international showcase underlines its global significance and the excitement it generates in the art world.

The Lieser Family Connection

Originally, the portrait belonged to the Lieser family, affluent Jewish industrialists in Vienna. Ernst Ploil, co-managing director of Kinsky Auction House, shared that there’s no evidence of the artwork being stolen or looted before or during World War II.

In their statement, the auction house mentions, “The painting was cataloged as lost, likely destroyed during the war. Its reappearance on the market was completely unexpected.“