Nazi-Looted Masterpiece Recovered in Argentina, Suspects Face Charges Today
Nazi-Looted Masterpiece Recovered in Argentina, Suspects Face Charges Today
Argentine authorities have announced the successful recovery of an 18th-century painting, “Portrait of a Lady (Contessa Colleoni)” by Italian master Giuseppe Ghislandi, which was looted by Nazis over 80 years ago. The significant breakthrough comes just a week after the long-lost artwork was spotted in an online real estate listing in Mar del Plata.
In a dramatic development on Wednesday, Patricia Kadgien, daughter of the late Nazi financier Friedrich Kadgien, handed over the painting to the Argentinian judiciary. Kadgien and her husband were placed under 72-hour house arrest on Tuesday and are scheduled to face a hearing today, Thursday, September 4th, on charges of concealment and obstruction of justice related to the stolen artwork.
The investigation intensified after Dutch newspaper AD published findings on August 25th, revealing the painting hanging in Kadgien’s home. Federal prosecutor Carlos Martínez ordered an immediate raid, though the painting had been moved. Subsequent raids on Monday uncovered additional 19th-century paintings, drawings, and engravings, now being analyzed for potential links to World War II looting.
The recovered portrait was originally stolen from Dutch Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker in 1940. Friedrich Kadgien, a high-ranking Nazi official, fled to South America after the war, bringing the painting with him, where it remained in his family’s possession. Goudstikker’s heirs have stated their intention to reclaim the invaluable piece of art history.
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