Famous painting smuggled out of Hungary, gets stopped in Austria

A painting by Austrian master Gustav Klimt, titled African Prince, has been seized in Austria following a request from Hungarian authorities.

Famous painting smuggled out of Hungary

The artwork, valued at around EUR 15 million (approximately HUF 6 billion), was reportedly smuggled out of Hungary under false pretences after being misdeclared as an insignificant piece by an “unknown artist.”

According to the Austrian public broadcaster ORF’s ZiB2 news programme, the Vienna Public Prosecutor’s Office ordered the seizure after receiving a formal request from Hungary. The painting was allegedly taken from Hungary to Austria with an export licence obtained through deception.

Investigations by hvg earlier this year revealed that the painting, offered for sale by the Vienna-based Wienerroither & Kohlbacher Gallery, had not surfaced in Austria as initially claimed.

Instead, it originated from Hungary, where the export authorisation was granted in July 2023 based on misleading documentation. The applicant reportedly declared the artwork to be worth only HUF 50,000 and attributed it to an unknown painter.

• Lie or confusion? Orbán says “indefinite,” Washington says “one year” — Latest on US sanctions waiver

Hungarian authorities admit oversight

The Hungarian Ministry of Construction and Transport, which oversees the country’s art protection authority, issued the export permit in accordance with regulations.

However, it failed to verify the painting in person — a step that would likely have revealed its true identity as a genuine Klimt. The canvas bears the artist’s estate stamp, a clear indicator of authenticity.

Following reports by the Hungarian press, the ministry launched an internal investigation, initiated legal changes, and began proceedings to declare the work protected. Minister János Lázár also hinted at possible efforts to repatriate the painting.

• Budapest Airport buyback may take 45 years to pay off despite promises of massive dividends

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.

• Hungarian military equipment stolen during movie shooting

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.