Rediscovered Klimt Portrait of African Prince Sparks Interest at TEFAF Maastricht

The painting, which is characterized by its almost photorealistic representation of the prince amidst a floral backdrop, garnered considerable attention at the show. Co-founder of the gallery, Lui Wienerroither, confirmed that they are engaged in active negotiations with a major institution, though he refrained from disclosing the museum's identity. He explained that while contemporary art fairs often see immediate sales, the high-value transactions at TEFAF necessitate additional time for thorough inquiries regarding provenance and attribution.This portrait depicts Prince William Nii Nortey Dowuona, who was part of a group from the Gold Coast, now known as Ghana, that once participated in colonial "human zoos" showcased throughout Europe in the late 19th century. The prince and his group were displayed in a simulated African village at Vienna’s Zoological Garden in 1896, attracting around 5,000 to 6,000 visitors daily. The exhibition was vividly reflected in the writings of contemporary Austrian author Peter Altenberg.The painting was brought to the gallery's attention in 2023 by an Austrian couple who found it in poor condition within a crude frame. Upon inspection, the gallery discovered a barely legible Gustav Klimt estate stamp on the canvas. The authenticity and connection to Klimt were verified by Alfred Weidinger, who has authored a definitive catalog of the artist's works. It was revealed that Klimt had held the portrait until his passing in 1918, after which it was auctioned from his estate in 1923. Subsequently, the piece was included in a Klimt memorial exhibition in 1928 as part of a local collector's loan.