Gustav Klimt

His father Ernst was a gold engraver, and it is believed that the technical background of precious metal processing influenced Klimt's later development of his 'Golden Phase'.¹

He studied architectural painting and was initially highly acclaimed for his academic style influenced by Hans Makart, decorating public buildings like the Burgtheater.¹

Fashion designer Emilie Flöge was his lifelong companion. While their relationship was likely platonic, it is widely believed they are the models for his masterpiece 'The Kiss'.¹

The deaths of his father and brother Ernst in 1892 caused deep psychological trauma, leading him to move away from traditional styles toward a unique symbolic expression.¹

Among the Vienna Secessionists, Klimt was particularly influenced by Japanese art, as seen in his flat compositions, decorative patterns, and spatial concepts.¹

His 'Faculty Paintings' for the University of Vienna were criticized as 'pornographic' due to their frank eroticism, leading him to refuse all future public commissions.¹

During his 'Golden Phase' in the 1900s, he created masterpieces like 'The Kiss' using real gold leaf, a style merging decorativeness and eroticism that became his trademark.¹

He discovered the young Egon Schiele and significantly influenced his artistic growth as a mentor and supporter, introducing him to models and purchasing his work.¹

Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I

He died in 1918 at age 55 from a stroke and pneumonia. Since then, his works have fetched record prices at auction, cementing his status as one of the world's most popular artists.¹

In 1945, many of his important works, including the controversial University of Vienna paintings, were destroyed when retreating German forces burned Schloss Immendorf.¹