Piacenza: Gustav Klimt’s 'Portrait of a Lady' returns to the Ricci Oddi

Return to Piacenza

The well-known Portrait of a Lady by Gustav Klimt, painted around 1916–1917, has returned to the Galleria d’Arte Moderna Ricci Oddi in Piacenza after being displayed at the My Art Museum in Seoul. The work, a highlight of the gallery’s collection and valued in the multi-million euro range, arrived in Piacenza on April 4, ahead of the gallery’s new layout opening to the public on April 28.

What makes the painting unique

Beyond its visual qualities, the painting is remarkable for a scientific discovery that revealed a double portrait beneath the visible surface. X-ray analysis confirmed that an earlier image of a young woman lies beneath the later portrait of the adult sitter.

The mystery of the sitter

The sitter’s identity remains debated: leading hypotheses include Alma Mahler and Ria Munk, both figures connected to Klimt’s circle. Distinctive features — very dark hair, rosy cheeks and a small beauty mark — add to the painting’s enigmatic appeal.

The theft and recovery

The canvas was stolen from the gallery on February 22, 1997, in a theft that remained unresolved for many years. The painting resurfaced on December 10, 2019, when it was found hidden inside a sack within a cavity in the museum’s outer wall during maintenance works.

Visitor information

The return of the Portrait of a Lady coincides with the Ricci Oddi Gallery’s reopening with a renewed exhibition layout. Visitors interested in the painting’s technical and historical background can find exhibits and resources on conservation, diagnostic imaging and the Vienna Secession context.

• Work: Portrait of a Lady (Gustav Klimt), c. 1916–1917
• Returned to Piacenza: April 4
• Gallery re-opening with new layout: public from April 28
• Highlight: X-ray evidence of an earlier portrait under the visible painting

For up-to-date visiting hours, guided tours and technical seminars, consult the gallery’s official channels or contact the institution directly.