Gustav Klimt Giclée Fine Art Prints 2 of 7

Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) was an Austrian symbolist painter and one of the most prominent members of the Vienna Secession movement. His work is known for its intricate patterns, sensuality, and symbolism.

Klimt was born on July 14, 1862, in Baumgarten, near Vienna, Austria. He was the second of seven children in a working-class family. His father, Ernst Klimt, was a gold engraver, and his mother, Anna Klimt, was musically talented. Klimt's artistic talent was evident from an early age, and he received a scholarship to attend the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts (Kunstgewerbeschule) in 1876.

At the school, Klimt studied architectural painting under Ferdinand Laufberger and later under Julius Viktor Berger. In 1883, he formed the "Company of Artists" with his brother Ernst Klimt and their friend Franz Matsch. The group received numerous commissions for murals and other decorative works in public buildings, including the Burgtheater and the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.

In 1897, Klimt co-founded the Vienna Secession, an art movement that sought to break away from the conservative academic art establishment. As the first president of the Secession, Klimt played a significant role in shaping the group's exhibitions and publications. The movement's motto, "To every age its art, to every art its freedom," reflected its commitment to artistic innovation and freedom of expression.

Klimt's style evolved over time, moving from a more academic approach to a highly decorative and symbolist style. His "golden phase," which began around 1900, is characterized by the extensive use of gold leaf and intricate patterns. Some of his most famous works from this period include "The Kiss" (1907-1908), "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I" (1907), and "The Tree of Life" (1909).

Klimt's work often explored themes of love, desire, and the human experience. His paintings were sometimes controversial due to their eroticism, and he faced criticism from conservative critics. Despite this, Klimt remained a highly influential figure in the art world, and his work continues to be celebrated today.

In his later years, Klimt focused more on landscapes and portraits, often using a more subdued color palette. He continued to work until his death on February 6, 1918, due to complications from a stroke and pneumonia. Klimt's influence can be seen in the work of many artists who followed, including his protégé Egon Schiele and the Austrian painter Oskar Kokoschka.