In a remarkable turn of events, an 18th-century painting looted by the Nazis during World War II has been rediscovered after more than eight decades. The artwork, titled Portrait of a Lady, was spotted hanging in a real estate listing for a coastal property in Mar del Plata, Argentina, leading to its recovery and sparking renewed discussions on the restitution of Nazi-looted art.
The Artwork’s Tumultuous History
Portrait of a Lady, attributed to Italian artist Giuseppe Ghislandi (also known as Fra Galgario), was part of a vast collection owned by Dutch-Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker. In 1940, as the Nazis invaded the Netherlands, Goudstikker fled Amsterdam but tragically died during his escape. His extensive collection, comprising over 1,100 artworks, was seized by Nazi officials, including Hermann Göring, and many pieces were sold under duress or looted outright.
The painting in question was among those taken. It was later acquired by Friedrich Kadgien, a Nazi officer who fled to Argentina after the war. Over the years, the painting’s whereabouts remained unknown, until it unexpectedly resurfaced in a real estate listing in 2025.
The Discovery
In August 2025, Dutch journalists from Algemeen Dagblad identified the painting in a photograph from a property listing by the Argentine real estate agency Robles Casas & Campos. The image showed the artwork prominently displayed above a sofa in the living room of a home in Mar del Plata, a coastal city near Buenos Aires.
Upon recognizing the painting, the journalists alerted authorities, leading to an investigation. The Argentine police raided the residence of Patricia Kadgien, the daughter of Friedrich Kadgien, but initially did not find the painting. However, under mounting pressure, Patricia and her husband later surrendered the artwork to authorities through their attorney.
Legal Actions and Restitution Efforts
Following the painting’s recovery, Patricia Kadgien and her husband were placed under house arrest for allegedly obstructing justice. Prosecutor Carlos Martínez accused the couple of concealing the artwork and hindering the investigation.
The painting has since been secured by Argentine authorities, and discussions are underway regarding its restitution to the heirs of Jacques Goudstikker. Marei von Saher, Goudstikker’s daughter-in-law and a prominent advocate for the return of looted art, has expressed her commitment to reclaiming the painting and other artworks stolen from Goudstikker’s collection.
Broader Implications
The rediscovery of Portrait of a Lady underscores the ongoing challenges in locating and returning artworks looted during the Nazi era. Experts estimate that hundreds of thousands of pieces remain unaccounted for, many of which are held in private collections or institutions worldwide.
This case also highlights the importance of vigilance and research in identifying and recovering stolen art. The role of journalists and the public in spotting and reporting potential looted artworks has proven invaluable in this instance. As efforts continue to return Portrait of a Lady to its rightful owners, the art world remains hopeful that this discovery will serve as a catalyst for further restitution of Nazi-looted art, ensuring that these cultural treasures are preserved and honored for future generations.
