In brief
The TEFAF Maastricht art fair revealed a vibrant portrait by Gustav Klimt, depicting an African prince. It's under negotiation for sale at a price of €15 million, with museum interest growing.
A stunning painting by Gustav Klimt featuring African Prince William Nii Nortey Dowuona has captivated art enthusiasts at the recent TEFAF Maastricht art fair in the Netherlands. Priced at €15 million (around $16.4 million), the portrait is currently in talks for sale with a significant museum, according to the Vienna-based gallery, Wienerroither and Kohlbacher.The artwork, an early depiction showcasing almost photorealistic details against a floral backdrop, was originally unearthed by an Austrian couple who brought it to the gallery in a distressed state. They discovered a faded stamp on the back linking it to Klimt. Gallery co-founder, Lui Wienerroither, confirmed Klimt had painted portraits of members from the Osu people, although the painting had been lost for decades.Research shows the portrait remained with Klimt until his passing in 1918 and was auctioned off from his estate in 1923. This discovery sheds light on a unique relationship between art and history, particularly regarding colonial exhibitions in Europe. The interest generated from this painting underscores Klimt's impact on our cultural landscape.
