Argentine Authorities Investigate Nazi Official's Heirs Over Missing 17th-Century Painting

Argentine authorities have placed Patricia Kadgien and her husband, Juan Carlos Cortegoso, under house arrest for 72 hours as part of an investigation into the disappearance of a 17th-century painting believed to have been looted during World War II. The artwork, 'Portrait of a Lady' by Italian Baroque artist Giuseppe Ghislandi, was originally owned by Dutch-Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker and was among over 1,000 pieces stolen by the Nazis.

The painting resurfaced when Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad identified it in a real estate listing for a property in Mar del Plata, Argentina, linked to the Kadgien family. Friedrich Kadgien, Patricia's father, was a financial adviser to Hermann Göring and fled to Argentina after World War II.

Following the discovery, Argentine police raided the property but did not find the painting. Instead, they seized other items, including two 19th-century paintings from another residence linked to the family. Prosecutor Carlos Martínez accused the couple of obstructing the investigation and ordered their house arrest pending a hearing.

The couple's defense team has offered to hand over the painting but has not done so yet. The investigation continues as authorities seek to recover the missing artwork and determine its current whereabouts.