Ep 1. The Lady in Gold

The Lady in Gold is the first episode of the second season of Art of the Heist, a documentary series that delves into some of the most fascinating art heists in history. This episode focuses on the theft of one of Gustav Klimt's most famous paintings, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, also known as The Lady in Gold.

The painting, which is an exquisite example of the Art Nouveau style, depicts Adele Bloch-Bauer, a Viennese society figure, wearing a lavish golden dress and surrounded by intricate patterns. It was originally painted in 1907 and remained in the Bloch-Bauer family until the 1930s, when Adele's husband fled Austria to escape the persecution of Jewish people by the Nazis. The painting was seized by the Nazis and eventually ended up in the possession of the Austrian state.

In 2006, the painting became the subject of a high-profile restitution case in Austria. The heirs of Adele Bloch-Bauer, who had emigrated to the United States, claimed that the painting had been stolen by the Nazis and demanded its return. After a long legal battle, the Austrian government agreed to hand over the painting, which was sold at auction to a private collector for a record-breaking $135 million.

But before all of this happened, The Lady in Gold was stolen from the Belvedere Palace in Vienna in 1998. The thieves cut the painting out of its frame and fled, leaving behind a trail of evidence that police would later use to solve the case. The episode explores the events leading up to the heist, the investigation that followed, and the dramatic recovery of the painting eight years later in a bizarre hiding spot.

Viewers will hear from experts in the fields of art history and criminal investigation, as well as from people involved in the case themselves. They will see archival footage of the painting, as well as reconstructions of the theft and interviews with people who were on the scene. A tense reenactment of the theft itself gives viewers a sense of the daring involved in such a brazen art heist.

The episode also delves into the context of the painting itself, exploring the significance of Klimt's work in the art world and the cultural climate of Vienna in the early 20th century. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the value of The Lady in Gold, both as a piece of art and as an object of historical significance.

Overall, The Lady in Gold is a gripping exploration of one of the biggest art heists in history. It sheds light on the fascinating world of art crime, showing viewers the daring and ingenuity of the criminals involved and the dogged determination of the investigators who brought them to justice. Whether you're an art lover, a true crime fan, or simply someone with an interest in history, this episode is not to be missed.