Rare Klimt Masterpiece Sells for 30 Million Euros in Vienna: A Look into the Life of Henriette Lieser and Her Connection to the Painting

A recently sold painting by Gustav Klimt, titled ‘Bildnis Fräulein Lieser’, was acquired at an auction in Vienna for 30 million euros. This unfinished work was commissioned by a wealthy family and painted by Klimt shortly before his death in 1918. After being thought lost for decades, the painting resurfaced and depicted a woman with dark hair. Despite uncertainties about the model’s identity, it is believed to be a daughter or niece of Henriette Lieser, who tragically perished in the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1943.

Although the painting was estimated to be worth between 30 to 50 million euros, it ultimately sold for the lower end of that range. However, this is not the highest amount ever paid for a Klimt work. For instance, his painting ‘Dame mit Fächer’ fetched £74 million in London last year, which was over 86 million euros at the time. These high prices reflect the enduring popularity and value of Klimt’s artwork in the art market.