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Thursday 09/04/2026

Nazi-Looted Painting Disappears Amid Argentinian Investigation

Empty wall space in dimly lit apartment in Argentina
Aya NakamuraAya Nakamura

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A painting looted by Nazis, "Portrait of a Lady" by Giuseppe Ghislandi, has vanished from an Argentinian home after being spotted in a real estate ad.
  • The painting was part of Jacques Goudstikker's collection, forcibly sold during WWII, and linked to Nazi officer Friedrich Kadgien.
  • Argentinian police seized weapons and prints during a raid but did not find the painting; investigations continue.
  • The painting's disappearance has prompted legal scrutiny of Kadgien's daughters, who are under investigation for potentially concealing stolen property.
  • The case highlights ongoing efforts to recover Nazi-looted art, with Goudstikker's heirs determined to reclaim the collection.

A painting looted by the Nazis during World War II has mysteriously vanished from a home in Argentina, sparking an international investigation. The artwork, "Portrait of a Lady" by Italian master Giuseppe Ghislandi, was recently identified in a real estate advertisement, but a subsequent police raid failed to locate the piece.

The painting was originally part of the collection of Jacques Goudstikker, a prominent Jewish art dealer from Amsterdam. His collection, comprising over 1,100 works, was forcibly sold to Nazi officials, including Hermann Göring, following Goudstikker's death while fleeing the Nazis in 1940. The whereabouts of "Portrait of a Lady" had been unknown for decades until its recent appearance in an estate agent's listing for a property near Buenos Aires.

Investigation and Legal Context

Federal prosecutor Carlos Martínez confirmed that the painting was not found during the raid, although two firearms and several prints were seized. Investigators suspect the painting was removed following media reports of its discovery. The property, located in Mar del Plata, is owned by one of the daughters of Friedrich Kadgien, a high-ranking Nazi officer who fled to Argentina after the war.

Kadgien, an SS officer and aide to Göring, is believed to have taken the painting with him when he escaped Europe. His daughters, who have been uncooperative with investigators, are now under scrutiny for potentially concealing stolen property. The Dutch newspaper AD, which first reported the painting's reappearance, has been instrumental in uncovering wartime documents linking the artwork to Kadgien.

Art Recovery Efforts

The case underscores the ongoing challenges in recovering art looted by the Nazis. Goudstikker's heirs, led by his daughter-in-law Marei von Saher, have vowed to reclaim the stolen collection. "Our family aims to bring back every single artwork robbed from Jacques' collection," von Saher stated.

The investigation has drawn attention from international law enforcement, including Interpol and Argentina's customs agency, Arca. While no charges have been filed yet, authorities are determined to resolve the case and potentially prosecute those involved in concealing the artwork.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The disappearance of "Portrait of a Lady" highlights the complexities involved in recovering Nazi-looted art. As investigations continue, legal proceedings could ensue if evidence of concealment is found. The case may also prompt further scrutiny of art collections linked to Nazi officials, potentially leading to more recoveries.

Experts suggest that increased international cooperation and advancements in provenance research could aid in the recovery of looted art. The case also serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of Nazi art theft and the importance of justice for the victims and their descendants.

Images from the Web

Additional article image
Image Source: Robles Casas & Campos
Additional article image
Image Source: Robles Casas & Campos