Lost Klimt Portrait of African Prince Offered for €15 Million

Gustav Klimt's 'Portrait of Prince William Nii Nortey Dowuona,' painted in 1897, has resurfaced after being lost since the 1930s and is now available for €15 million at the TEFAF art fair in Maastricht. The painting was brought to the Wienerroither & Kohlbacher gallery in 2021 in poor condition but was authenticated by art historian Alfred Weidinger, who confirmed its identity after years of searching for it. The portrait, depicting a West African prince, was likely commissioned during the colonial-era ethnographic exhibitions held in Vienna that showcased members of the Osu tribe. This work represents a significant moment in Klimt's artistic evolution, highlighting his shift toward decorative elements that would characterize his later works. The painting's rediscovery has sparked excitement in the art world, emphasizing the complexities of cultural representation during Klimt's time. The gallery's managing director noted that the painting's transformation post-restoration revealed its true quality, further solidifying its importance in Klimt's oeuvre.