The rediscovery of Gustav Klimt's painting, "Portrait of Prince William Nie Norte Dowuona," has created a stir in the art community. Thought to be lost since 1938, the painting was brought to the Viennese dealers Wienerroither & Kohlbacher, who, despite their expertise, initially struggled to identify it due to its poor condition. After cleaning, the painting's value was confirmed, highlighting Klimt's significance in the evolution of Art Nouveau. The piece is currently on display at the TEFAF art fair in Maastricht, valued at $15 million, reflecting its cultural and historical importance.
"Even though they have more than 25 years of Klimt expertise, the gallery owners did not immediately recognize the treasure hidden beneath the grime."
"It was a huge surprise for us," Alois Wienerroither, managing director of the gallery, said. "We looked at the painting, it was dirty and also had a bad frame, it didn't look like Klimt at all."
"The floral background of the painting is already modern, a testament to Klimt's pioneering style during his transitional period."
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