A recent auction in Vienna saw a painting by Gustav Klimt titled ‘Bildnis Fräulein Lieser’ fetch 30 million euros. This unfinished work, painted by Klimt shortly before his death in 1918, was commissioned by a wealthy family and is believed to depict a daughter or niece of Henriette Lieser, who tragically perished in the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1943. Despite uncertainties about the model’s identity, this rare find has sparked interest among art enthusiasts.
While 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. In fact, 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. The demand for his works continues to grow as collectors and investors recognize his unique style and vision.