Gustav Klimt (1862–1918) was an Austrian symbolist painter and a founding member of the Vienna Secession movement. His work helped define Art Nouveau, characterized by ornate patterns, gold leaf, and sensual themes.
Born in Baumgarten, Austria, Klimt studied at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts (1876–83,) initially working on architectural murals. His early commissions included decorations for the Burgtheater (1888) and Kunsthistorisches Museum (1891.) His style evolved into a more symbolist, decorative approach, sparking controversy over his University of Vienna ceiling paintings (1900–07,) criticized for their eroticism.
Influenced by Japanese art, Egon Schiele, and Symbolism, Klimt’s later works, including landscapes, reflected an impressionistic style. His most famous pieces include The Kiss (1907–08,) Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I (1907,) Judith I (1901,) Danaë (1907–08,) and Beethoven Frieze (1902.) His “Golden Phase” (1901–09) featured extensive gold leaf, inspired by Byzantine mosaics.
Gilles Néret’s Gustav Klimt: 1862–1918 (2000) offers a detailed account of his life and artistic journey.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Gustav Klimt
True relaxation, which would do me the world of good, does not exist for me.
—Gustav Klimt
Topics: Relaxation
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