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All you need to know about Klimt’s canvas that is now the most expensive modern artwork

Gustav Klimt's "Bildnis Elisabeth Lederer" (Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer) sold for $236.4 million at Sotheby's first auction in its new Breuer building location in New York, becoming the most expensive modern artwork ever sold at auction. The 1914-1916 portrait depicts Elisabeth Lederer, daughter of Klimt's patrons Serena and August Lederer, and was previously owned by Estée Lauder heir Leonard A. Lauder, who died earlier this year. The painting was looted by the Nazis during World War II, returned to the Lederer family in 1948, and later sold in 1983.

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All you need to know about Klimt’s canvas that is now the most expensive modern artwork

Gustav Klimt's *Bildnis Elisabeth Lederer (Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer)* sold for $236.4 million at Sotheby's first auction in its new Breuer building location in New York, becoming the most expensive modern artwork ever sold at auction. Painted between 1914-1916, the six-by-four-foot portrait depicts Elisabeth Lederer, daughter of Klimt's patrons Serena and August Lederer, dressed in a white gown against a wisteria backdrop. The painting was looted by the Nazis, survived a fire during World War II, was returned to the Lederer family in 1948, and later entered the collection of Estée Lauder heir Leonard A. Lauder, who died earlier this year.

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