Recently, a Gustav Klimt painting titled ‘Bildnis Fräulein Lieser’ was sold at an auction in Vienna for 30 million euros. The unfinished work, which was commissioned by a wealthy family and painted by Klimt shortly before his death in 1918, has been lost for decades until it surfaced recently. Despite uncertainties about the model’s identity, it is believed to be a daughter or niece of Henriette Lieser, who tragically perished in the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1943.
Although estimated to be worth between 30 to 50 million euros, the painting ultimately sold for the lower end of that range. However, this is not the highest amount ever paid for a Klimt work. In fact, his painting ‘Dame mit Fächer’ fetched £74 million in London last year, which was over 86 million euros at the time. These high prices reflect the enduring popularity and value of Klimt’s artwork in the art market.
The sale of ‘Bildnis Fräulein Lieser’ marks yet another milestone in the world of fine art. It is proof that even after more than a century since its creation, Klimt’s works continue to captivate audiences and fetch premium prices in auctions worldwide. With such high demand and limited supply, it is clear that Klimt’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists and collectors alike for years to come.
