What's happened
Gustav Klimt's 'Portrait of Miss Lieser' was sold at auction in Vienna for $32 million, sparking intrigue due to its mysterious subject and ownership history. The painting, long thought lost, resurfaced after a century and was acquired by a bidder from Hong Kong.
Why it matters
The sale of Klimt's painting highlights the enduring appeal of his work and the intrigue surrounding lost masterpieces. The mystery of the subject and ownership adds layers of complexity, drawing attention to the historical context of the artwork.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel and The Independent provide insights into the auction and the mystery surrounding the subject of the painting. The South China Morning Post delves into the last-minute ownership claim and the record-breaking sale to a Hong Kong bidder.
How we got here
Gustav Klimt's 'Portrait of Miss Lieser' was painted in 1917 and was one of his last works before his death. The painting's rediscovery after being lost for a century has sparked interest in its provenance and the identity of the subject, adding to its allure.
Common question
More on these topics
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Gustav Klimt was an Austrian symbolist painter and one of the most prominent members of the Vienna Secession movement. Klimt is noted for his paintings, murals, sketches, and other objects d'art.
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Vienna is the national capital, largest city, and one of nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's most populous city, with about 1.9 million inhabitants, and its cultural, economic, and political centre.
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The auction house im Kinsky is an important art auction house located in Vienna's Palais Kinsky. The auctioneer of the house is Michael Kovacek.