The sale of Gustav Klimt’s ‘Portrait of Miss Lieser’ at auction has stirred interest and raised questions. The painting, which had been thought to be lost, was discovered hanging in a private villa near Vienna. Despite its reappearance, the identity of the young woman depicted in the portrait remains a mystery. Several possibilities have been proposed, including Margarethe Constance Lieser, Lilly Lieser’s niece, and one of her two daughters with Justus. The painting’s whereabouts after Klimt’s death in 1918 are also unknown, particularly during the Nazi era when persecution and expropriation were rampant. Despite these uncertainties, the current owners agreed to a ‘fair and just solution’ with the legal successors of the Lieser family before the auction, ensuring that all parties involved will be compensated. The auction’s proceeds, totaling $32 million, underscore the enduring value and allure of Klimt’s artistry, while the unresolved questions surrounding the painting add to its intrigue and historical significance.
Gustav Klimt’s ‘Portrait of Miss Lieser’ Fetches $32 Million at Auction
