Klimt’s mesmerizing masterpiece, “Portrait of Miss Lieser,” an intriguing portrayal of a young woman shrouded in mystery, soared to astonishing heights at auction, fetching a staggering $32 million.
Despite lingering questions surrounding its subject and previous ownership, the allure of this unfinished artwork captivated bidders worldwide.
Previously thought lost, the painting emerged from obscurity when it was discovered hanging in a private villa near Vienna, where it had remained for decades. Im Kinsky, the esteemed auction house, unveiled the enigmatic portrait to the public in January, igniting fervent anticipation ahead of its auction. With an estimated value ranging from 30 million to 50 million euros, the artwork stirred immense interest among art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Depicting a youthful subject donned in a turquoise dress, adorned with a flowing floral gown set against a vivid red backdrop, the painting mesmerizes with its striking contrasts. Despite the clarity of her depiction, the true identity of “Fraeulein Lieser” remains shrouded in mystery. Speculations abound regarding her identity, with potential links to the affluent Lieser family, renowned for their industrial prowess in the Austro-Hungarian empire.
Im Kinsky delved into the complexities surrounding the painting’s provenance, shedding light on its journey through tumultuous times, including the Nazi annexation of Austria in 1938. Amid historical gaps and ambiguities, the auction house facilitated a collaborative resolution with the legal successors of the Lieser family in 2023, ensuring a fair and equitable outcome for all parties involved.
