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Stolen Dutch Portrait Recovered: Daughter of Nazi Official Returns “Damesportret“
BUENOS AIRES – The daughter of a Nazi officer has agreed to return a portrait stolen from a Dutch art dealer during World War II, marking a notable victory for families seeking the restitution of looted artwork. The painting, Damesportret (Ladies Portrait) of the Italian countess Colleoni, was relinquished by the daughter of Kadgien, a Nazi official accused of acquiring the work at a drastically reduced price following the death of Jacques Goudstikker in 1940.
Goudstikker, a prominent art dealer, died while fleeing Europe, after which his collection was sold to high-ranking nazis for minimal sums. His heirs have pursued the recovery of the stolen artwork for decades, formally submitting a claim to Kadgien’s descendants.
For years, journalists from the Dutch newspaper AD attempted to contact Kadgien’s daughter, who resided in Argentina, following a tip from retired Dutchman Paul Post. The family initially contested the Goudstikker family’s claim, filing a request wiht the Argentinian court to retain possession of the painting.
The Argentinian justice system is now investigating legal ownership, with Kadgien’s daughter appearing in court Thursday to address potential charges related to concealing the artwork. Damesportret has been listed on the international Lost Art Database for an extended period and was also missing from the Dutch National Service for cultural Heritage’s records.
Researchers from the Dutch National Service have also identified a potential second painting linked to Kadgien – a flower still life by Abraham Mignon – though the Goudstikker family has not yet formally claimed it pending further inquiry into its provenance.
