SS uniform with insignia next to an old portrait of a woman — A portrait stolen by the Nazis could be in Argentina | La Derecha Diario

Camara — A portrait stolen by the Nazis could be in Argentina | La Derecha Diario

Clues found about a painting stolen by the Nazis that may be on the Argentine coast

The painting 'Portrait of a Lady' stolen during World War II may be in the hands of a Nazi's descendants

25/08/2025 09:22:00h

Editorial Team

A Dutch newspaper claims that the work "Portrait of a Lady", stolen during World War II, may be in Argentina. According to Algemeen Dagblad, Friedrich Kadgien's daughters, a former Nazi financier who lived in Buenos Aires, may have it.

The investigation indicates that the discovery was revealed through a photo published in a real estate listing. Now, the heirs of Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker are seeking to recover the painting.

Old portrait of a young man with short hair and a serious expression

According to Algemeen Dagblad, Friedrich Kadgien's daughters would have it | La Derecha Diario

The clue that started the search

The painting may have accompanied Kadgien to Argentina, according to previous investigations. The key detail emerged when one of his daughters put her house on the Buenos Aires Atlantic coast up for sale.

One of the living room photographs appears to show what seem to be the dimensions and details of Portrait of a Lady.

A second work also under scrutiny

Another painting, by Dutch artist Abraham Mignon, could be with the same family. The work is listed as missing on the Dutch heritage agency's website and was detected in a photo posted on social media by one of Kadgien's daughters.

Living room with beige armchair, green sofa with cushions, glass coffee table, lamps, and an antique painting of a woman on the wall

One of his daughters put her house on the Buenos Aires Atlantic coast up for sale | La Derecha Diario

Algemeen Dagblad's correspondent tried to contact the women, without success. He only received brief replies via Instagram and WhatsApp, refusing to provide information.

The historical context of the works

"Portrait of a Lady" belonged to Jacques Goudstikker, a Jewish art dealer who died while fleeing the Nazis in Amsterdam. During the occupation, Third Reich officials acquired his works at low prices.

Old black-and-white photograph of a man in a suit and tie held by a hand

"Portrait of a Lady" belonged to Jacques Goudstikker | La Derecha Diario

Documents show that Kadgien possessed at least two of those paintings in 1946. The second work by Mignon may also have been acquired under those circumstances.

Who was Friedrich Kadgien

A member of the SS and collaborator of Hermann Göring, Kadgien managed Third Reich funds and participated in the extortion of Jewish merchants in Amsterdam. After the war, he fled to Switzerland, Brazil, and finally settled in Argentina during Perón's government.

There, he founded a company, started a family, and died in 1978 without being tried for his past.

Two people wearing coats and hats are coming out of an old building, one of them is in the foreground and the other in the background; the image is in black and white, and a railing and a plaque on the wall can be seen.

Hermann Göring in the Goudstikker art gallery | La Derecha Diario

Claim by Goudstikker's heirs

Goudstikker's heirs announced that they will initiate legal action to recover "Portrait of a Lady". Von Saher told Algemeen Dagblad that they seek to restore the family legacy and recover all the stolen works.

The legal process could be lengthy, especially if Kadgien's descendants refuse to cooperate with the restitution.

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