Missing Klimt Portrait Could Sell for $54 Million

Daily Upsider on February 5, 2024

Gustav Klimt’s long-lost painting, the “Portrait of Fräulein Lieser,” is set to be auctioned this spring and is anticipated to reach a value of up to $54 million. The artwork, presumed to be one of Klimt’s final pieces, had been missing for almost a century but was privately owned by an Austrian citizen.

The Vienna auction house im Kinsky (no, that is not a typo) which made the rediscovery, stated that the painting is expected to generate significant interest in the art world. The vivid and colorful piece, previously only seen in black and white photos, depicts a member of a wealthy Austrian Jewish family from the upper echelons of Viennese society.

While catalogues initially indicated that Adolf Lieser commissioned Klimt to paint his daughter, Margarethe Constance, recent research suggests that Lilly Lieser, the wife of Justus Lieser (Adolf Lieser brother), may have hired the artist to paint one of their daughters.

The three-quarter portrait, featuring a young woman in a frontal pose against a red background, showcases Klimt’s late-period style with intense colors and loose brushstrokes. The artist passed away in February 1918, leaving the painting incomplete in his studio. It was then given to the Lieser family.

Klimt’s portraits of women are rarely offered at auctions, and the rarity, artistic significance, and value of the “Portrait of Fräulein Lieser” make it a notable addition to the art market. The painting will tour internationally before the April 24 auction, making stops in Switzerland, Germany, Britain, and Hong Kong.

Princess Diana’s 1997 Landmine Walk

Daily Upsider on February 2, 2024

BBC archive clips provide a detailed look at Princess Diana’s landmine walk in Angola on January 15, 1997. This event sparked a global conversation and marked a significant moment in the fight against landmines.

Princess Diana, adorned in protective gear, walked through a live minefield in Huambo, Angola, during her visit as a guest of the International Red Cross in January 1997. The country, emerging from a brief period of peace after a 20-year civil war, was heavily contaminated with over 15 million landmines, causing widespread civilian casualties and hindering post-conflict recovery.

Diana’s walk, alongside mine removal expert Paul Heslop from the Halo Trust, was not merely symbolic but a challenge to governments to address the suffering caused by landmines. Her advocacy played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion and diplomatic pressure for demining efforts and a global ban on landmines.

Despite facing opposition from some UK politicians at the time, Diana remained steadfast in her humanitarian mission. Her efforts led to increased funding for demining projects and the creation of the Ottawa Treaty in 1999. However, the global landmine issue persists, with key countries refusing to sign the treaty, and new mines being laid in conflict zones.

Diana’s advocacy legacy lives on through her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, who continue her work. Organizations like the Halo Trust, Mines Advisory Group (MAG), and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines remain dedicated to global demining efforts and supporting affected communities. Meanwhile, the landmine problem remains extensive, posing a deadly threat in various conflict and post-conflict regions worldwide.

Human Life Expectancy Gap Decreases

Daily Upsider on January 23, 2024

A recent study has revealed a surprising new global trend in the life expectancy gap between men and women.

People are living longer all over the world, from regions in Africa to areas like California. However, the situation is not as straightforward as everyone living longer.

The study from Spain’s Universidad de Alcalá has revealed a global trend: the life expectancy gap between men and women is narrowing. The researchers categorized world populations into five clusters and found that each area has experienced longer life expectancies and reduced gender disparities in the last 30 years. The data also suggests that these trends will continue into the next decade.

Workplace safety improvements have led to fewer male job-related deaths. However, aspects of closing the life expectancy gap between men and women remains a challenge due to risks linked to the Y chromosome and potential non-communicable diseases. But examining data from 1990 to 2000, researchers found increased longevity in many countries.

Related Article: How to Add Years to Your Life

Grouping nations into five clusters based on mortality trends from 1990 to 2010, the study revealed rising life expectancies and decreasing male-female mortality gaps across all clusters. These positive trends are expected to continue into 2030, indicating a global shift toward improved longevity and more equal mortality rates between genders.

Africa has shown the most significant improvements in mortality indicators. Lead author Professor David Atance emphasized the worldwide growth in aging processes, even in well-performing high-income countries, albeit at a slower rate.

The lessening of the gender longevity gap, seen in both cluster and country analyses, is also attributed to the shift away from past “harmful” blue-collar lifestyles.

A New King in Europe

Daily Upsider on January 16, 2024

In a historic moment for Denmark, new King Frederik X has assumed the throne following the surprising abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe II. The handover took place at Christiansborg Palace in the capital, Copenhagen, where thousands gathered to witness the commencement of a new era.

Queen Margrethe, who reigned for over five decades, signed a declaration of abdication during a cabinet meeting, officially passing the crown to her son. The emotional scene unfolded amidst large crowds braving frigid weather in the streets.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen continued the tradition, publicly proclaiming the King’s accession from the palace balcony. King Frederik delivered a concise speech, expressing his hope to be a unifying king. His Australian-born wife, Queen Mary, and their four children, including Crown Prince Christian, the new successor, joined him.

While the Danish monarchy, one of Europe’s oldest, lacks a traditional crowning ceremony, the streets were filled with well-wishers. Unlike the grand global spectacles of other royal events, Denmark’s changeover remained a low-key yet significant occasion.

The transition garnered international congratulations, with Britain’s King Charles III extending warm wishes. Denmark, entering a new modern era, faces the challenge of maintaining a popular and relevant monarchy under King Frederik’s reign.

The Danish royal family is well known for its down-to-earth demeanor. As Denmark embraces this new chapter, King Frederik and Queen Mary strive to maintain a monarchy that resonates with the public in a rapidly changing world.

A Landlord’s Gift

Daily Upsider on January 14, 2024

Britni Ricard, the founder of COTA Skin Care, also wears the hat of a property owner, having invested in a New Orleans apartment building with 10 units in 2019. The tenants in this building, predominantly single women with children, reminded Ricard of her own upbringing in public housing and the financial challenges her mother faced during Christmas time.

Recalling her childhood, Ricard shared, “It was tough. My mom was a single woman raising three children alone, and watching her continuously struggle as a child and wanting to figure out, ‘How can I help?'”.

In November, Ricard organized a pre-holiday meeting with her tenants. Then she surprised them with all with a gift— one month of free rent. A video capturing this generous gesture quickly gained traction on TikTok. In addition to the rent relief, Ricard extended her support by offering to organize a seminar to guide her tenants in becoming homeowners.

Kedesha Dunn, a single mother residing in one of the building’s units with her two boys, expressed gratitude for Ricard’s unexpected gift.
“Now I, you know, I don’t have to go try to take a loan out or something like ask my family for money,” Dunn said. “Like, I can do it now. Like, I can do it.”

“I’m an emotional person,” Dunn added. “I start to cry. ‘Cause I’m just like, that is so sweet. She’s uh, better than Santa Claus at this point. … Like a guardian angel” she added.