Bildnis Fräulein Lieser: Gustav Klimt’s Unfinished Masterpiece Sells for 30 Million Euros at Auction in Vienna

In recent news, a Gustav Klimt painting titled ‘Bildnis Fräulein Lieser’ sold 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. 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 estimated to be worth between 30 to 50 million euros, the painting 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.