Argentine authorities have successfully recovered an 18th-century painting stolen during World War II after it appeared in a property advertisement, officials confirmed Wednesday. The artwork, Portrait of a Lady by Italian Baroque painter Giuseppe Ghislandi, was returned by the lawyer of Patricia Kadgien, the daughter of a senior SS officer, who had previously possessed the painting.
Art expert Ariel Bassano, who assisted in the investigation, stated that the painting is in “good condition for its age,” noting that it dates back to 1710. Local media outlet La Capital Mar del Plata reported its estimated value at around $50,000.
The painting was initially recognized by the Dutch newspaper AD after photographs of a home for sale in Mar del Plata showed the artwork hanging above a green sofa in Kadgien’s living room.
The painting, depicting a noblewoman, was among more than 1,000 artworks looted by the Nazis from Dutch Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker during World War II. After the war, Friedrich Kadgien, a senior SS financial officer, fled to Argentina, where the artwork eventually resurfaced in his daughter’s residence.
The discovery of the painting reignited interest in Nazi-looted art and prompted widespread attention across both Europe and South America.
However, the recovery process faced complications. Shortly after the painting was identified, it disappeared again, leaving authorities scrambling to locate it. When Argentine police attempted a raid, the artwork was missing, prompting the placement of Patricia Kadgien and her husband under house arrest on Tuesday following multiple unsuccessful search attempts.
The painting’s return marks a significant step in addressing historical art theft and restitution for families affected by Nazi plunder. Officials emphasized that ongoing efforts aim to trace and recover other artworks looted during the war.
This case underscores the lasting impact of World War II-era art theft and the continuing challenges in returning cultural heritage to its rightful owners. With the painting now back in official custody, authorities hope to ensure it is preserved and eventually returned to the heirs of Jacques Goudstikker, reaffirming global commitments to the restitution of stolen art.
