Famous painting smuggled out of Hungary, gets stopped in Austria

What does the gallery say?

The ZiB2 broadcast stated that Hungarian investigators suspect the seller intentionally concealed Klimt’s authorship. This suspicion is supported by a 2022 Hungarian laboratory analysis that had already confirmed the painting’s authenticity.

In response, gallery co-owner Lui Wienerroither argued that the export licence was obtained “legitimately,” insisting that at the time “the painting was not considered a confirmed Klimt.”

His business partner, Ebi Kohlbacher, added that no Hungarian experts were able to verify Klimt’s authorship, so the painting was brought to Austria for examination.

However, art historians reject this explanation, noting that African Prince had already been identified and published in black-and-white reproductions in the early 20th century.

It was exhibited multiple times, and its provenance was well documented. Experts suggest the seller likely misrepresented the work’s identity to secure export permission and to profit from a higher sale price in Austria.

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What will happen to the artwork?

The painting’s provenance traces back to the late 1930s, when the Klein family — Jewish art collectors fleeing Nazi persecution — brought it to Hungary. Although the artwork remained in the country after the war, ownership disputes prevented its return to the family.

Current reports indicate that the Klein heirs and the Hungarian holders reached an agreement, but the sale has not been completed despite its presentation at this year’s TEFAF art fair in Maastricht with a EUR 15 million price tag.

Hungary must now demonstrate that the painting was unlawfully exported. Should this be confirmed, the art piece will be required to return to Hungary, where it would be classified as a protected cultural asset, legally preventing any further export.