The first portrait of writer Ismail Kadare has been fully restored.

Olsi Laska, a specialist in art restoration at the National Art Gallery, led the restoration. Meanwhile, art researcher Suzana Varvarica Kuka finally identified the portrait’s author, who had remained unknown for decades.

The portrait was painted by Vilson Kilica during his and Kadare’s studies in the Soviet Union. Experts believe it dates back to 1958, making it the earliest known depiction of the writer.

Anisa Ymeri, director of the Kadare House-Studio, said the painting had suffered severe damage and was near destruction. In January, the team began studying it to identify the artist and plan the restoration process.

Now, the fully restored portrait will be displayed at the Kadare House-Studio. Ymeri noted that the work is highly significant both for the House-Studio collection and for Albania’s broader art heritage.

Ismail Kadare was born in Gjirokastër on 28 January 1936 and passed away in Tirana on 1 July 2024. His works have been translated into more than 40 languages. Kadare is Albania’s most renowned writer and won numerous national and international literary awards.

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