Argentina Recovers Nazi-Looted 'Portrait of a Lady' After 80 Years

An 18th-century painting by Italian artist Giuseppe Ghislandi, stolen by Nazis during World War II, has been recovered in Argentina after 80 years. The artwork, titled "Portrait of a Lady," was identified in a real estate listing for a property in Mar del Plata, leading to its retrieval by authorities.

The painting belonged to Dutch-Jewish art collector Jacques Goudstikker, who died in 1940 while fleeing the Nazi invasion. His extensive collection was forcibly sold to Hermann Göring, and his descendants have been seeking to recover approximately 1,100 missing pieces.

The real estate listing was associated with the family of Friedrich Kadgien, a former Nazi official who relocated to Argentina after the war. Following the discovery, Argentine authorities conducted raids on properties linked to Kadgien's family, resulting in the seizure of the painting and other artworks suspected to have been looted during the 1940s.

Federal prosecutor Daniel Adler acknowledged the role of journalists in prompting the investigation, stating, "It was people from the community, specifically journalists, who prompted the investigation."

Patricia Kadgien, daughter of Friedrich Kadgien, and her husband have been placed under house arrest pending a hearing on charges of concealment and obstruction of justice. The painting is currently stored in a special chamber for safekeeping, with art expert Ariel Bassano noting it is "in good condition given its age," dating it to 1710 and valuing it at approximately $50,000.