Lost Egon Schiele Painting To Go On Auction As An NFT With LaCollection

After being rediscovered, a lost painting by Egon Schiele is going for auction as an NFT with LaCollection. 

Egon Schiele’s Lost Painting To Go For an NFT Auction

Austria’s Leopold Museum has rediscovered an early work by Egon Schiele, which was missing for more than 90 years. Moreover, the museum plans to include it in an NFT sale based on works by the Viennese artist.

“Leopold Czihaczek at the Piano” is an impressionistic painting depicting the artist’s uncle and legal guardian. In fact, Schiele painted it shortly before his 17th birthday and recorded it in his 1972 catalogue raisonné. 

The long-lost painting was found within a Viennese private collection when its owner sought advice on its restoration. The museum director, Hans-Peter Wipplinger, said, “It is a sensational discovery.” 

The painting will be displayed in the museum as a part of a five-year loan. In addition, it will join a fundraising NFT sale through LaCollection from May 16 to May 26.

Meanwhile, 24 NFTs will be offered at different price levels.

• Three “ultra-rare” works with two editions each – starting at €100,000.
• Ten paintings with ten editions each – starting at €15,000.
• Eleven paintings, with hundred editions each – starting at €499.

For instance, among the “ultra-rare” works is a painting of Schiele’s lover, “Portrait of Wally Neuzil.” Again, the Nazis stole it in 1938 from the Austrian Jewish art dealer Lea Bondi Jaray.

Moreover, funds from the NFT sale will go towards the painting’s restoration and expanding the museum’s collection. Also, the museum will keep one edition each.