The whereabouts of ‘Bildnis Fraeulein Lieser’ had been unknown since it was last seen at a Viennese exhibition in 1925. The reappearance of this significant work has sparked excitement within the art world, particularly given that Klimt’s works have commanded high prices at recent auctions. However, questions have been raised about the painting’s provenance, adding an element of intrigue to its upcoming sale.
The painting was commissioned by a wealthy Jewish industrialist’s family and is believed to depict a daughter of either Adolf or Justus Lieser. The initial catalog dedicated to Klimt in the 1960s suggested it was Margarethe, Adolf Lieser’s niece. Im Kinsky, the Vienna auction house handling the sale, proposes that the painting may instead portray Helene or Annie, daughters of Justus Lieser and his wife Henriette (Lilly).
Adding to the painting’s enigmatic history, Lilly Lieser entrusted the painting to a member of her staff before her deportation and subsequent murder in Auschwitz in 1942. The painting later came into the possession of a Nazi trader and was eventually inherited by distant relatives. Im Kinsky has asserted that it has not found evidence of theft or unlawful seizure during its restitution procedures.
Despite Im Kinsky’s findings, some experts have urged for a more thorough investigation into the work’s provenance. Monika Mayer, head of archives at the Belvedere museum, which houses Klimt’s iconic ‘Kiss,’ has called for a critical examination of certain aspects of the painting’s history that remain unclear.
This rediscovered Klimt masterpiece, with its uncertain provenance and captivating allure, is bound to be a highlight of the Vienna auction. Its sale promises to generate significant interest and further explore the fascinating complexities surrounding this renowned artist and his work.
