In a remarkable case of art restitution, Argentine authorities in Mar del Plata have recovered “Portrait of Contessa Colleoni,” an 18th-century Italian painting by Giuseppe Ghislandi, ending an 80-year search. The recovery, announced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, by an Argentine federal court and the Mar del Plata Prosecutor’s Office, resolves a mystery that began with Nazi looting during World War II. The painting, also known as “Portrait of a Lady,” was originally part of the collection of Jacques Goudstikker, a Dutch-Jewish art dealer whose Amsterdam gallery was ransacked by Nazi forces in May 1940. The recovery offers a glimmer of hope for the heirs of Jacques Goudstikker and others still searching for their lost cultural heritage.
Theft and Discovery
Jacques Goudstikker, a prominent figure in the art world, saw his extensive collection decimated when the Nazis invaded the Netherlands. According to historical records, approximately 1,100 paintings were stolen from his inventory. Goudstikker himself died while fleeing the Nazi invasion in 1940, leaving his descendants to grapple with the immense task of recovering their family’s stolen legacy.
The break in the case came unexpectedly last month. The Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad reported that the painting was spotted in an online real estate listing for a property in Mar del Plata, Argentina. The artwork was clearly visible in a photograph advertising the villa, hanging above a sofa. This discovery ignited an immediate international investigation aimed at tracing the painting’s journey and securing its return.
Nazi Ties and Investigation
The property featured in the real estate listing belonged to Patricia Kadgien, daughter of Friedrich Kadgien, a high-ranking Nazi official. Friedrich Kadgien served as an advisor to Adolf Hitler and Hermann Göring. After World War II, like many other Nazi officials seeking to evade justice, Friedrich Kadgien fled to Argentina. He died in Buenos Aires in either 1978 or 1979. Records from the Netherlands indicated that the painting came into Kadgien’s possession after its theft from Goudstikker’s gallery.
Upon receiving the crucial tip, Argentine authorities initiated a thorough investigation. Last week, raids were conducted at multiple locations in Mar del Plata, including the property showcased in the real estate listing. However, the initial search proved unsuccessful; the painting had been removed from the house. This led to accusations of obstruction, escalating the legal pressure on Patricia Kadgien and her husband.
House Arrest and Recovery
As a result of the alleged obstruction, Patricia Kadgien and her husband were placed under house arrest for 72 hours, beginning on Monday, September 1, 2025. They faced questioning and potential charges related to obstructing the investigation or concealing theft/smuggling. The pressure mounted, leading to a breakthrough on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
According to reports from the Mar del Plata Prosecutor’s Office, the couple’s attorney surrendered the painting to the federal prosecutor’s office. Federal prosecutor Daniel Adler acknowledged the role of the community and journalists in prompting the investigation and ultimately leading to the painting’s recovery.
The Painting’s Condition and Value
The recovered artwork, “Portrait of Contessa Colleoni,” has been assessed by art expert Ariel Bassano. Bassano described the painting as being “in good condition for its age.” The painting is valued at approximately $50,000. To prevent any further damage, the painting is now being held in a special chamber, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Justice and 80 Years of Art Restitution
The recovery of “Portrait of Contessa Colleoni” represents a significant victory in the ongoing global effort to repatriate artworks stolen during the Nazi era. This case offers a renewed sense of hope for the heirs of Jacques Goudstikker and countless others who continue to search for their lost cultural heritage. The successful resolution underscores the importance of vigilance and international cooperation in addressing the lingering consequences of wartime looting.
Patricia Kadgien and her husband are scheduled to appear at a formal hearing on Thursday, September 4, 2025, where they will face charges related to their alleged involvement in concealing the stolen artwork. The legal proceedings will further explore the circumstances surrounding the painting’s presence in their possession and the extent of their knowledge regarding its provenance.
This recovery not only brings closure to a decades-long mystery but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting cultural heritage. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement, the media, and the community have demonstrated the power of collective action in righting historical wrongs and ensuring that stolen treasures are returned to their rightful owners. This case sets a precedent for future restitution efforts and reinforces the commitment to justice for victims of Nazi persecution.
