Last portrait by Gustav Klimt expected to fetch £65m at London auction

‘Heartfelt ode to absolute beauty’ was on Austrian artist’s easel when he died unexpectedly in 1918

A portrait by Gustav Klimt described as a “heartfelt ode to absolute beauty” is expected to fetch £65m when it is sold in London later this month.

Dame mit Fächer (Lady with Fan) is the last portrait Klimt completed. The work was standing on an easel in his studio when the Austrian painter died unexpectedly of a stroke and pneumonia in 1918 at the age of 55.