Klimt's Golden Lady.
Find out about the most famous art theft, the dark history of Vienna’s Opera, a sinful story behind the renowned Klimt’s “The Kiss“ and expand your vocabulary with our Art series.
Golden Lady. Who is she?
Look at the photos of The Golden Lady – how would you name it instead?
Who do you think should own The Golden Lady? Read the text to find out.
The famed Klimt's model Adele Bloch-Bauer, who was married to Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer, died in 1925; her will asked that the artworks by Klimt were to be left to the Galerie Belvedere, however Ferdinand only left one landscape by Klimt. The rest of the collection was left to their nephews and niece. During the World War II "The Lady in Gold" was confiscated by the Nazis and displayed at the Galerie. Nevertheless, The Art Restitution Act was adopted in 1998. The aim of the law is to return objects in the collections of the Austrian federal museums gotten during the Nazi regime to their original owners.
The only heir Of Bloch-Bauer Maria Altmann, an Austrian-American Jewish refugee from Austria, contacted the Austrian embassy in order to return Klimt's paintings, but was ignored. Her case was opened until 2006, since nobody knows for sure who is the legal owner of the artworks. All the same, in 1925 by law the husband's will would always receive priority. Hence, on 16th of January 2006 the court confirmed that 79-years old Maria Altmann legally owned 5 Klimt's paintings. The debates about this case are still ongoing.
The famed Klimt's model Adele Bloch-Bauer, who was married to Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer, died in 1925; her will asked that the artworks by Klimt were to be left to the Galerie Belvedere, however Ferdinand only left one landscape by Klimt. The rest of the collection was left to their nephews and niece. During the World War II "The Lady in Gold" was confiscated by the Nazis and displayed at the Galerie. Nevertheless, The Art Restitution Act was adopted in 1998. The aim of the law is to return objects in the collections of the Austrian federal museums gotten during the Nazi regime to their original owners.
The only heir Of Bloch-Bauer Maria Altmann, an Austrian-American Jewish refugee from Austria, contacted the Austrian embassy in order to return Klimt's paintings, but was ignored. Her case was opened until 2006, since nobody knows for sure who is the legal owner of the artworks. All the same, in 1925 by law the husband's will would always receive priority. Hence, on 16th of January 2006 the court confirmed that 79-years old Maria Altmann legally owned 5 Klimt's paintings. The debates about this case are still ongoing.
Maria Altmann did not insist on returning the art, she was ready to settle for a reasonable compensation of 150 million dollars for "The Lady in Gold". Austrian government goes to unprecedented measures to save its national treasure. The public began a huge charity project and the money flow increased greatly. Nonetheless, the demands escalated and instead of the 150 million dollars the compensation now was 245 and even 300 million. Even the previous sum was a tough nut to crack. The government could not reach an accord with Altmann and the Chancellor of Austria Schussel decided to end the bargain. Austria was in shock and in February 2006 more than 4000 Austrians came to Belvedere to say goodbye to their own Austrian Mona Lisa.
Find all the linking words in the text, why are they used there?
However
used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously.
Nevertheless
in spite of that; notwithstanding; all the same.
Hence
as a consequence; for this reason.
Nonetheless
in spite of that; nevertheless.
Try to retell the text in your own words, use all the linking words from above.