Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of Fräulein Lieser, missing since the 1920s, is making a comeback in an April auction, with an expected price tag of up to $54.4 million, as reported by The Washington Post.
This rediscovered masterpiece, last seen in the mid-1920s, has been described by im Kinsky, the auction house handling the sale, as a “sensation.” The 31-by-55-inch portrait, depicting an unknown Lieser family member, is a rare gem from Klimt’s final creative period, not seen for decades.
The painting’s journey, beginning with a series of visits to Klimt’s studio in 1917, adds an intriguing layer to its story. Despite Klimt’s passing in 1918 with some sections unfinished, the portrait found its way to the Lieser family, and its whereabouts remained a mystery until 2022.
Before the April 24 auction, the Portrait of Fräulein Lieser will travel the globe, making stops in Germany, Switzerland, Britain, and Hong Kong. While it may not reach the heights of other Klimt masterpieces in terms of price, like Adele Bloch-Bauer I $135 million in 2006 or Lady With a Fan $108 million last year, the painting’s captivating journey adds immense value. Save the date, April 24, 2024 for this historic art event!