The symbolism and ornamentation in the paintings Gustav Klimt

Who was Gustav Klimt?

The artist Gustav Klimt built an artistic career that marks history to the present day. 159 years after his birth, on July 14, 1862, the Viana painter continues to be remembered for his magnificent Art Nouveau works with sensitive and dominant female figures. Inspired by ancient cultures - Egyptian, Minoan, Classical Greek and Byzantine - Gustav Klimt elegantly introduced gold tones and colors, and symbolic elements that convey psychological ideas about the freedom of art from the traditional classical and academic teachings of the time. Unique and easily recognizable, his paintings demonstrate a sensitivity that creates transcendental and sentimental dialogues, based on figures, symbolism, shapes and colors.

The First Steps of Gustav Klimt

Thanks to a scholarship, he attended the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts (Kunstgewerbeschule). His first works demonstrate the great influence that the teachings of this school had on his work. In 1883, the year he finished his studies, he formed with his brother Ernst Klimt and his friend Franz Matsch, a group that painted murals in theaters and other places, such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, the Cart of Thespis, the Altars of Dionysus and Apollo and the Theater in Taormina, as well as scenes from William Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Gustav Klimt he began to be extremely well known, after receiving the Emperor's prize for having painted the auditorium of the old Burgtheater theater. However, it was from this moment on that a transformation in his painting movement was revealed, moving from the classical and academic style to Art Nouveau. With this change, the group ended up disbanding because they had different artistic goals. In 1892, the father of Gustav Klimt and his brother Ernst Klimt died, thus causing the artist to withdraw from public life. In 1893, he began his last public commission, paintings for the University of Vienna, which were only completed in the early 1900s.
During this period, he concentrated on experimenting and studying ancient Egyptian, Japanese, Chinese and Mycenaean art, and together with other Viennese artists founded the “Union of Austrian Painters”, better known as the Secession. Gustav Klimt became president of this union that went against the classical and academic style. In addition to the intense figuration, the landscapes on the banks of the Attersee - where his annual summer vacation took place - became fundamental and unique in the career of Gustav Klimt. 

Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I in Gustav Klimt, 1907

The Golden Phase of Gustav Klimt

This period in which the use of gold leaf predominated in his paintings, became the most recognized phase, with a greater positive critical reaction and success until the present day. Works like Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I (1907) and The Kiss (1907-1908).
The Kiss is an extraordinary painting that portrays eroticism, between a couple floating on a bright background, thus transmitting the feeling of intense passion, by the union of bodies in the act of embracing. The flowers that surround them are an element that demonstrates the iconographic care, as the golden plants that encircle the feet of the female figure are known as Parnassus herb, an ancient symbol of fertility. The clothes painted as if they were mosaics indicate the influence of Byzantine mosaics.
In 1910, with the painting death and life (1908-1910) ended the Golden Phase. On February 6, 1918, Gustav Klimt died, leaving countless paintings unfinished. The Viennese artist is a symbol of modern art, due to his Art Nouveau portraits, with a strong decorative, geometric component, full of details and adornments. Sexuality, passion, anxiety and even death were some of the themes intensely explored by this artist who represented the body, especially the female body, in an exuberant way. His works continue to set records for being sold at very high prices. In 2006, the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I (1907), was purchased for the new gallery in New York by Ronald Lauder for $135 million. Discover on P55 the available works of the extraordinary Gustav Klimt.

The Kiss in Gustav Klimt, 1907-1908

What are the characteristics of the works of Gustav Klimt?

1. Ornamentation: Klimt was known for his highly ornamental works, with intricate decorative patterns and details that often filled the entire canvas space.
2. Symbolism: Klimt frequently included symbols and allegories in his works, often relating to life, death, love and sexuality. For example, the female figure is often portrayed in his paintings with symbolism such as tied hair, snakes, wreaths of flowers, among others.
3. Vibrant colors: Klimt used bold, vibrant colors in his works, often combining bright shades of gold, red and green.
4. Female figures: Klimt was known for portraying female figures in his works, often with sensual and provocative poses.
5. Painting techniques: Klimt experimented with various painting techniques, including the use of gold and silver leaf, which allowed him to create shiny, reflective effects.
6. Japanese influence: Klimt was influenced by Japonism, a trend that had a major impact in Europe in the late 19th century. This influence can be seen in his asymmetrical compositions, floral motifs and the attention given to ornamental details.
7. portraits: In addition to his highly ornamental works, Klimt was also known for his portraits, many of which were commissioned by wealthy and influential clients of Viennese society. His portraits often include elaborate details, with clothing and accessories that reflect the personality and status of the person portrayed.

death and life in Gustav Klimt, 1908-1910

What are the most famous and valuable works of Gustav Klimt?

1. The Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, which sold in 2006 for $135 million, setting a world record for a work of art sold at auction at the time.
2. The Kiss, which is one of Klimt's most iconic works and is currently part of the collection of the Belvedere Museum in Vienna.
3. Judith I, which sold in 2017 for $59.3 million.
4. Portrait of Ria Munk III, which sold in 2018 for $33 million.

In summary, Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) was one of the most important Austrian artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was widely known for his unique artistic style and his contribution to the Art Nouveau movement. Klimt began his career as a conventional painter, producing portraits and landscapes. However, he became famous for his works of art depicting women, often with decorative motifs such as floral patterns and gilded ornaments. Some of Klimt's most famous works include "The Kiss", "Judith I" and "The Golden Lady". In addition to his paintings, Klimt also worked on murals and other forms of decorative art.
Gustav Klimt was one of the founders of the Vienna Society of Arts and was a prominent member of the Secession movement, a group of Austrian artists seeking to break with conventional artistic traditions. His work profoundly influenced modern art and is still appreciated today.