Gustav Klimt... (Part I)
12:00 a.m.
18/12/18 - If you are visiting Vienna, you cannot miss the Belvedere Museum, a palace that houses the largest collection of paintings (24 in total) by Gustav Klimt (1862-1918), including two masterpieces of his Gold period: “Lover” and "Judith".
The first rooms showcase his female portraits, slightly different to the academic rules of the time. The text in the gallery explain that, by 1890, Klimt was part of the group of young artists associated with the official organization of artists opposed to the traditional exhibition policies. So, in 1897, they founded a new association, known as "The Secession", which encouraged vanguards to exhibit their more audacious works.
Portrait of a Woman, by Gustav Klimt (c. 1893)
Technique: oil on canvas
Portrait of a Woman, by Gustav Klimt (c 1893) - Detail
Technique: oil on canvas
The following galleries display the pieces from Klimt's Gold period. The most popular one is "The Kiss" (Lovers), which is the star of the permanent collection. It's not necessary to explain it, because it's quite clear. But it's worth pointing out the technique he developed at the time: the combination of gold leaves with oil painting. In fact this artwork represents the culmination of his Gold period and this is why Klimt does not economize in precious metals. The artwork contains gold, platinum and silver, making it a very valuable object just by considering its materials. Although it's considered a painting, the artwork presents a certain volume due to its exquisite collage.
The Kiss (Lovers), by Gustav Klimt (1908 – 1909)
Materials: gold leaf, silver, platinum, oil and brass.
The Kiss (Lovers), by Gustav Klimt (1908 – 1909) - Detail
Materials: gold leaf, silver, platinum, oil and brass.
The gallery is completed with pieces from the same period, as Fritza Riedler's portrait and "Adam and Eve". The predominant subject in all of them is the woman and, above all, her connection to men. They are not optimistic artworks: there's a certain melancholy in the eyes of his characters.
Fritza Riedler, by Gustav Klimt (1906)
Technique: oil on canvas
Fritza Riedler, by Gustav Klimt (1906) - Detail of the fabric of the sofa
Technique: oil on canvas
Adam and Eve, by Gustav Klimt (1917-1918)
Technique: oil on canvas (unfinished)
(To be continued...)
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