Argentinian police are on a quest for a missing painting looted by the Nazis. The artwork, Portrait of a Lady by Italian painter Giuseppe Ghislandi, was spotted in a real estate listing but wasn’t found during a recent search of a house in Mar del Plata. “The painting is not in the house, but we will keep looking for it,” said federal prosecutor Carlos Martínez.
During the search, authorities collected items like firearms, engravings, and prints that may help in the investigation. Although the painting was supposed to be in the living room, it’s now replaced by a large tapestry. A police officer remarked that there were indications something had been taken down before the tapestry was put up.
This painting once belonged to Jacques Goudstikker, a prominent Jewish art dealer in Amsterdam. He fled the Nazis in 1940 and passed away soon after. His extensive collection of artworks was taken at a fraction of its value by Nazi officials, including Hermann Göring. Recent reports suggest that the Ghislandi portrait ended up with Friedrich Kadgien, a high-ranking Nazi official.
After World War II, Kadgien escaped the Netherlands and eventually made his way to Argentina, taking the painting with him. It likely stayed in his family until now. Investigators are looking into one of Kadgien’s daughters, who owns the Mar del Plata property, as part of a judicial inquiry.
The Dutch newspaper AD uncovered details about the painting’s journey. Investigations prompted by their articles led to the recent police search. The property in question was removed from the real estate site after the investigation began, and Kadgien’s daughter even changed her social media username.
Authorities are taking serious steps, but as of now, no charges have been filed. If they prove the couple had the painting, they could face prosecution for concealing stolen property, which, due to the nature of the original crime, has no statute of limitations.
This incident highlights ongoing efforts to recover looted art from World War II, a topic that remains relevant today. Many institutions and countries worldwide are focusing on the restitution of artworks to their rightful owners. As this case unfolds, it adds to the larger conversation about art, history, and justice.
For more on art restitution, you can explore resources from organizations like the Holocaust Art Restitution Project.
