Nazi-Era Painting Disappears After Argentinian Police Raid

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Buenos Aires, Argentina – A valuable oil painting, believed to have been stolen from a jewish art dealer during World War II, has disappeared after authorities raided a property in Argentina where it was reportedly located. The painting, Winning by Giuseppe Vittore Ghislandi, was recently identified by journalists after being missing for nearly eight decades.

The Disappearance and Initial Investigation

Argentinian police conducted a search of a residence in Mar del Plata following reports that the artwork was present. However, upon arrival, officers discovered the painting was no longer on display. according to authorities, only an old carbine and a revolver were seized during the operation. The investigation into the painting’s current location is ongoing.

The History of the Painting

The 17th-century artwork was originally part of the collection of Jacques Goudstikker, a Jewish art dealer. During the war, Goudstikker’s collection was forcibly sold to Nazi officials at drastically reduced prices after he fled the Nazi occupation. Records indicate the Portrait of the Italian countess Colleoni first came into the possession of friedrich Kadgien, a Nazi official, who took it with him when he escaped to South America after the war. It is believed the painting remained within the Kadgien family and ultimately belonged to one of his daughters.

Discovery on a brokerage Site

The painting resurfaced this week when it was featured in a photograph on an Argentinian real estate website. Following the media attention, the image seems to have been removed from the site, and the painting itself has vanished. The photograph, depicting the painting above a green sofa, quickly circulated, as the artwork has been on international watchlists for decades.

Recent Developments in the Search

Correspondent Peter Schouten, reporting from Argentina, confirmed the painting was likely still present in the house as recently as early August. He noted that recent photographs of the interior show color differences on the wall where the painting had been hanging, suggesting a recent removal. “There is now a large rug with horses and some nature images that the police say it truly seems like something else has been hung there,” Schouten reported.

Challenges in Recovery Efforts

Attempts to contact the resident of the property have proven difficult. Schouten managed to send questions via Instagram, inquiring about the painting’s origin and potential return to the Goudstikker heirs. However,he was afterward blocked and the resident altered her Instagram profile and removed the property listing. Despite the obstacles, Argentinian authorities are treating the case with high priority.

“They acted quickly and the judiciary is not known in Argentina,” Schouten stated. “I also think that there is quite a lot at stake internationally.”

Key Detail Information
Painting Title Winning by Giuseppe Vittore Ghislandi
Original Owner Jacques Goudstikker
Nazi Official Friedrich Kadgien
Current Location Unknown
Discovery Method Argentinian Real Estate Website

Understanding art Looting During World War II

The systematic looting of artwork by the Nazi regime during World War II represents one of the most notable instances of cultural theft in history. Millions of objects,including paintings,sculptures,and cultural artifacts,were stolen from individuals,museums,and institutions across Europe. Recovering these stolen items remains a complex and ongoing process,often hampered by incomplete records,changing ownership,and political sensitivities.

Did you know? According to UNESCO, an estimated 600,000 works of art remain missing as a result of Nazi-era looting. Learn more about UNESCO’s efforts to combat illicit trafficking of cultural property.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nazi-Looted Art

  • What is “Nazi-looted art”? It refers to artwork stolen, confiscated, or forcibly sold by the Nazi regime during World War II, often from Jewish collectors and institutions.
  • How common is the discovery of Nazi-looted art today? While less frequent, discoveries still occur as artwork resurfaces in private collections, auctions, and through ongoing investigations.
  • What legal rights do the heirs of the original owners have? Heirs generally have legal grounds to claim restitution of looted artwork, though the process can be complex and vary by country.
  • What is being done to identify and recover looted art? Numerous organizations, museums, and governments are actively involved in researching provenance, identifying stolen artworks, and facilitating their return to rightful owners.
  • How can I help in the effort to recover looted art? By supporting organizations dedicated to art recovery, reporting suspicious artwork, and raising awareness about the issue, you can contribute to these efforts.