Stolen 17th-century painting recovered in Argentina, suspected Nazi theft
BUENOS AIRES — In a stunning turn of events, Argentine authorities have recovered a 17th-century painting believed to have been stolen by the Nazis during World War II. The Mar del Plata Prosecutor’s Office announced the breakthrough in a statement on Wednesday.
The piece in question is the renowned “Portrait of a Lady” by Italian artist Giuseppe Ghislandi, which was handed over to the Prosecutor’s Office by the lawyer representing two individuals who have been detained since Monday on suspicion of the theft.
Following up on leads, the Prosecutor’s Office conducted four raids at different locations in Mar del Plata on Tuesday. As a result, a descendant of Nazi official Friedrich Kadgien and her partner were placed under house arrest in connection with the case.
Both suspects are scheduled for a formal hearing on Thursday to address the charges brought against them, according to the Prosecutor’s Office.
CNN is actively working to reach out to the suspects’ legal representation in order to obtain their responses to the allegations.
The painting had been the subject of an investigation into an alleged theft that took place during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in World War II.
Records from the Netherlands indicate that Kadgien, a prominent Nazi figure, sought refuge in Argentina following the war, joining a wave of fugitives attempting to avoid prosecution.
Historical archives point to the painting originally belonging to Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker, whose gallery was looted by the Nazis in May 1940. Subsequent records show the artwork coming into the possession of Kadgien, who passed away in Buenos Aires in 1978, as reported by the Associated Press. — CNN
