Nazi-stolen painting, absent for eight decades, retrieved in Argentina following its appearance in an online advertisement

In a historic moment, the 18th-century masterpiece, "Portrait of a Lady" by Giuseppe Ghislandi, has been returned to its rightful owners after being looted by the Nazis during World War II. The painting, which was thought to have vanished for nearly eight decades, was discovered in an online real estate listing in Argentina.

The journey of the "Portrait of a Lady" began during the occupied Netherlands when Friedrich Kadgien, a Nazi officer, stole the painting from Dutch-Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker. Other artworks suspected to have been plundered were seized during the raids across the city.

Years later, the painting resurfaced in Argentina. Dutch journalists discovered the "Portrait of a Lady" while investigating Kadgien's life in Argentina. Authorities detained Kadgien and her husband on charges of concealment and obstruction of justice during the raids.

The first-ever colour image of the "Portrait of a Lady" appeared in the listing, uploaded by one of Friedrich Kadgien's daughters, a fugitive Nazi officer. Art expert Ariel Bassano confirmed that the painting is in good condition and dates back to 1710.

After decades of mystery, the "Portrait of a Lady" was handed over by the Kadgien family in a press conference at Mar del Plata's federal court. The painting was not found during the police raid at Patricia Kadgien's coastal Mar del Plata home.

The recovery of the "Portrait of a Lady" is considered a vindication for Goudstikker's heirs who have been fighting to reclaim hundreds of works stripped from his collection during the war. Within hours of the discovery being published, the online real estate post vanished.

The current possessor of the masterpiece is the daughter of Nazi finance expert Friedrich Kadgien and her husband, who were placed under house arrest after the painting was found in their Mar del Plata villa; the artwork was later handed over to authorities after investigations.

The revelation of the "Portrait of a Lady" sparked an international scramble. The "Portrait of a Lady," a work of art by Giuseppe Ghislandi, is now back in the possession of its rightful owners.