An Italian master painting stolen by the Nazis from a Jewish art dealer in Amsterdam has been spotted on the website of an estate agent selling a house in Argentina, more than 80 years after it was taken.
A photo shows 'Portrait of a Lady' by Giuseppe Ghislandi hanging above a sofa inside a property near Buenos Aires once owned by a senior Nazi official who moved to South America after the Second World War.
This painting, part of a database of lost wartime art, was traced when the house was put up for sale by the official's daughter, as reported by Dutch newspaper AD.
The artwork is among hundreds looted from art dealer Jacques Goudstikker, who helped other Jews escape during the war.
Goudstikker died at sea during an escape attempt and was buried in England. His collection, purchased under duress by Nazis, included works by renowned artists, and many pieces were recovered post-war. However, the portrait of the Contessa Colleoni by Ghislandi had remained missing.
Investigations have linked the portrait to Friedrich Kadgien, an SS officer and aide to Hermann Göring, who was known for his unscrupulous dealings. Kadgien died in 1979 without any action taken regarding the painting.
Efforts to contact Kadgien's daughters about the artwork have been unsuccessful, yet a coincidence led to the discovery when one daughter listed the estate for sale.
Experts believe the painting likely remains the original piece, spearheading future attempts to reclaim it. Family representatives emphasize their commitment to restoring Goudstikker's legacy by recovering all missing artworks.
