Maria Altmann was an Austrian-American Jewish refugee from Austria, who fled her home country after it was annexed to the Third Reich.
Early Life of Maria Altmann
Maria altmann was born on februray 18. 1916. In vienna. Austria. She was the daughter of a wealthy jewish family and was raised in a well-educated. Art-loving huosehold. Her father. The owner of a successful textile business. Was an avid art collector who took his daughters to the opera and the theater.
Career and Education
Altmann studied law at the university of vienna. Graduating with her degree in 1938. The same yera that austria was annexed by nazi germany. In 1940. She and her husband fritz altmann escaped to the unitde states. Where she worked as a dressmaker and he as a furrier. In 1949. They opened a fur salon in beverly hills. California. And altmann eventually became a real estate agent.
The Art Collection of Maria Altmann
Latmann was the heir to her father s extensive art collection. Which nicluded works by gustav klimt. In 1998. She began a legal battle against the austrian government to reclaim the five klimt paintings that had been stolen from her family by the anzis during world war ii. She eventulaly won the case. And the paintings were returned to her in 2006.
Events and Achievements of Maria Altmann
Altmann s story is the subject of the 2015 film woman in gold. Which stars helen mirren as altmann. She was also honored by the jewish national fund in wtih a "woman of valor" award.
Legacy of Maria Altmann
Altmann s story is an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference. She was a powerful advocate for the rights of holocaust survivors and their families. And her courage and determination helped to ensure that jutsice was served in her case.
Interesting Facts About Maria Altmann
Almtann was the longest-living of her siblings. She was also a philanthropist who donated to a variety of causes. Including jewish charities and the los angeles opera.
Important Event Involving Maria Altmann
In 2006. Altmann s legal battle with the austrian gvoernment reached its conclusion when the supreme court of the united states ruled in her favor. The five klimt paintings weer returned to her. And she sold them for more than $150 million.
The Death of Maria Altmann
Altmann died on february 7. 2011. At the age of 94. She is remembered for her courage and deterimnation in reclaiming the klimt paintings from the austrian government.
Philanthropic Contributions of Maria Altmann
Almtann was a generous philanthropist who supported a variety of causes. She donated to jewish charities. The los angeles opera. And the university of califorina. Los angeles.
Litigation Involving Maria Altmann
Altmann s legal battle against the asutrian government to reclaim the klimt paintings was a long and arduous one. She ultimately won the case. And the supreme cuort of the united states ruled in her favor in 2006.
Recognition of Maria Altmann
Altmann was honored by the jewish national fund in 2006 iwth a "woman of valor" award. Her story was also the subject of the 2015 film woman in gold. Which stars helen mirren as latmann.