In brief
The recently rediscovered portrait of Prince William Nii Nortey Dowuona by Gustav Klimt, showcased at the TEFAF Maastricht art fair, is in negotiation for sale at €15 million. The painting has historical significance, depicting a member of the Osu people from Ghana, and was last known to be in Klimt's possession until 1918.
Gustav Klimt’s portrait of Prince William Nii Nortey Dowuona was a highlight at the recent TEFAF Maastricht art fair in the Netherlands, drawing significant attention from art enthusiasts and collectors. The Vienna-based gallery, Wienerroither and Kohlbacher, has announced that it is currently engaged in serious negotiations for the sale of the piece, which carries a price tag of approximately €15 million (around $16.4 million). Co-founder Lui Wienerroither mentioned that a major museum is interested in acquiring the painting, though details regarding the institution remain undisclosed.This striking portrait, measuring 26 inches in height, depicts Prince William against a floral backdrop, showcasing Klimt's early style that leans towards photorealism. The prince belonged to the Osu people from the Gold Coast, modern-day Ghana, and was part of a group displayed in colonial exhibitions, referred to as "human zoos" in Europe during the late 19th century. These exhibitions attracted thousands of visitors, and it is suggested that Klimt may have encountered the prince during this time, specifically at a mock-African village staged in the Zoological Garden of Vienna in 1896.The painting’s modest discovery occurred in 2023 when a couple brought in the unsigned artwork, which was poorly framed and deteriorating, for appraisal. Upon examination, a faint Gustav Klimt estate stamp was found on the back, leading the gallery to confirm its authenticity with Alfred Weidinger, who has extensively documented Klimt's works. Further research indicates that the portrait remained in Klimt’s estate until his passing in 1918 and was auctioned off in 1923. Notably, it was included in a memorial exhibition dedicated to Klimt in Vienna five years later.As negotiations continue, the art community watches eagerly, recognizing not only the financial implications of the sale but also the painting's place in the narrative of colonial history and African representation in art. The sale would mark a significant moment in the appreciation of both Klimt’s work and the broader discourse surrounding historical representations of marginalized cultures.
