A Klimt portrait a Jewish family were forced to leave behind when they fled the Nazis in 1938 is to be returned to them - and sold for up to £18million at auction. Gertrud Loew was 19 when Gustav Klimt painted her portrait in 1902 as her father, Dr Anton Loew, was friends with the celebrated artist. The family were forced to flee Vienna after the Nazis seized power in 1938, leaving behind the painting and Gertrud's grand home, which eventually became a headquarters for the occupiers. The portrait was acquired by one of Klimt's sons, Gustav Ucicky, a filmmaker who made propaganda movies for Nazi Germany and who kept it as part of a collection about his father's work.Gertrud Loew was 19 when Gustav Klimt painted her portrait in 1902 as her father was friends with celebrated artistHad to leave behind grand home in Vienna, and the painting, after Nazis seized power, settling eventually in AmericaPortrait was acquired by one of Klimt's sons, Gustav Ucicky, a filmmaker who made propaganda movies for Nazi GermanyHis widow has restored it and returned it to the family, who will sell it at Sotheby's with a £12million to £18million estimate on June 24
Her granddaughter said the painting perfectly represented the 'brave and determined' nature of the young _.