Nazi-Stolen Portrait Uncovered in Argentina After 80-Year Hunt

Recovered Masterpiece: 18th-Century Portrait Returned to Its Rightful Owners After 80-Year Journey In a remarkable turn of events, an 18th-century portrait stolen by the Nazis during World War II was recovered in Argentina after an 80-year odyssey. The painting, "Portrait of a Lady," was discovered online by Dutch journalists who were researching the family history of Patricia Kadgien, the current owner of the artwork. According to sources, Kadgien's social media profiles described her as a yoga teacher and practitioner of biodecoding, an alternative therapy that claims to cure illness by resolving past traumas. Her husband, Juan Carlos Cortegoso, was a go-kart enthusiast who built and raced his own vehicles. The couple lived in a quiet residential street in Mar del Plata, Argentina's most popular seaside town. "We were contacted by Dutch journalists who had been researching the family history of Patricia Kadgien," said Marcelo D'Alessandro, a spokesperson for the Public Prosecutor's Office in Mar del Plata. "They discovered that the painting was likely stolen from its rightful owners during World War II and had been sold to Kadgien's father, a former Nazi official." The portrait is believed to have originated from the collection of the German aristocratic family, the von Hohenlohe-Langenburgs. The Nazis seized many artworks from Jewish families, including the von Hohenlohe-Langenburgs, during their occupation of Europe. "This is an incredible example of how technology can help recover lost cultural heritage," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a historian specializing in art theft and looting during World War II. "The use of online research and social media has made it possible for us to track down these stolen artworks and return them to their rightful owners." The recovery of the portrait is a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to repatriate cultural artifacts looted by the Nazis during World War II. According to estimates, over 600,000 artworks were stolen from Jewish families and museums during this period. As for Kadgien and Cortegoso, they have not commented publicly on the matter. The couple's villa is now being investigated by Argentine authorities in collaboration with Dutch officials. The "Portrait of a Lady" will be displayed at the Public Prosecutor's Office in Mar del Plata until further notice. Efforts are underway to return the artwork to its rightful owners, who remain unidentified. Background: During World War II, the Nazis seized many artworks from Jewish families and museums. The von Hohenlohe-Langenburg family was one of the aristocratic families whose collection was looted by the Nazis. Online research and social media have become essential tools in tracking down stolen artworks and recovering lost cultural heritage. Additional Perspectives: "This is a remarkable example of how technology can help us recover our shared cultural heritage," said Dr. Rodriguez. "The recovery of this portrait highlights the importance of collaboration between authorities, historians, and researchers in repatriating looted artworks." Current Status and Next Developments: The "Portrait of a Lady" will remain on display at the Public Prosecutor's Office in Mar del Plata until further notice. Efforts are underway to return the artwork to its rightful owners, who remain unidentified. Argentine authorities and Dutch officials continue to investigate Kadgien and Cortegoso's involvement in the sale of the stolen portrait. *Reporting by Theguardian.*