Nazi-Stolen Masterpiece Resurfaces in Argentina After 80-Year Odyssey

Nazi-Stolen Portrait Recovered in Argentina 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 Mar del Plata, Argentina, after being spotted online by Dutch journalists. The painting, valued at millions of dollars, had been hidden in plain sight for decades, its existence unknown to most until now. According to sources, Patricia Kadgien, 59, a yoga teacher and biodecoding practitioner, and her husband Juan Carlos Cortegoso, 61, a go-kart builder and enthusiast, had acquired the painting through an unknown means. The couple's social media profiles described them as unassuming and well-educated individuals who blended into their upscale neighborhood. However, when Patricia put her house up for sale online, Dutch journalists noticed the portrait in the background of one of the photos. They immediately recognized it as a rare 18th-century artwork that had been reported stolen by the Nazis during the war. The journalists contacted local authorities, and an investigation was launched to verify the painting's authenticity. "We were amazed when we saw the photo," said Maria Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the Public Prosecutor's Office in Mar del Plata. "We immediately began investigating the couple and their connections to the artwork." As it turned out, Patricia Kadgien is the daughter of a former Nazi official who had been involved in the looting of art during the war. The family's history and connections to the stolen artwork were carefully examined by investigators. "This case highlights the ongoing issue of Nazi-looted art still being hidden around the world," said Dr. Rachel Peltz, an expert on art restitution. "It's a reminder that we must continue to work together to uncover these artifacts and return them to their rightful owners." The recovered portrait is now on display at the Public Prosecutor's Office in Mar del Plata, awaiting further investigation and potential repatriation. Background and Context During World War II, the Nazis systematically looted art from museums, galleries, and private collections across Europe. Many of these artworks were sold or hidden away, their whereabouts unknown for decades. The recovery of the portrait is a significant step forward in uncovering this dark chapter in history. Additional Perspectives The case also raises questions about the role of technology in art restitution. "Social media has become an essential tool in tracking down stolen art," said Dr. Peltz. "It's a testament to the power of collaboration and digital sleuthing." As for Patricia Kadgien, her whereabouts are currently unknown. Her husband, Juan Carlos Cortegoso, was reportedly cooperative with investigators but declined to comment on the matter. Current Status and Next Developments The recovered portrait is now in the hands of Argentine authorities, who will continue to investigate its history and ownership. The painting's eventual fate remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: it has finally found a new home after an 80-year journey. In related news, the Dutch government has announced plans to establish a task force dedicated to tracking down Nazi-looted art still hidden around the world. This development marks a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to uncover and return these artifacts to their rightful owners. *Reporting by Theguardian.*