Gustav Klimt, an iconic Austrian painter, adorned the art world with his exquisite legacy encompassing school paintings, contemporary social interpretations, and ornamental masterpieces. Among his diverse oeuvre, Klimt is most renowned for his captivating “golden” period, which not only defined his style but also served as a wellspring of inspiration for countless modern masterpieces.

Close-up of the work “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I”

A Brief Introduction

Gustav Klimt embarked on his professional painting career in 1880, when he, along with his brother and a friend, established the “Company of Artists.” The company garnered commissions for grand mural paintings across Austria’s capital, Vienna. These large-scale scholastic artworks, depicting classical subjects, propelled Klimt to join the secessionist movement – a progressive artistic endeavor at the time. It was during this period that Klimt delved into his mesmerizing “golden” phase.

Secession exhibition building in Vienna, Austria

Klimt played a pivotal role in founding the secessionist movement in 1897. This movement aimed to challenge the dogmas of traditional art and empower young artists to organize independent events and exhibitions. Inspired by this avant-garde approach, Klimt delved into experimental territories, embracing the influences of Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements. As his artistic philosophy evolved, so did his approach to materials. It was during the early years of this transformative phase that Klimt introduced gold into his paintings, marking the advent of his spectacular “golden” period.

The Early Stage of the Golden Period

One of Klimt’s notable works during this time was the iconic piece titled ‘Pallas Athena.’ Completed in 1898, it portrays the Greek goddess Athena, radiating strength and sophistication in her armor. While ‘Pallas Athena’ bears hints of the classical era, the use of pure gold and the motifs employed lay the groundwork for Klimt’s subsequent masterpieces.

“Pallas Athena”, 1898

Another prime example of Klimt’s mesmerizing “golden” period is the renowned artwork called ‘Judith I.’ This painting, like many of his later works, depicts the biblical figure Judith, slaying the invader Holofernes. The portrayal of Judith exudes an alluring sensuality, a characteristic that would permeate Klimt’s later creations.

The play “Judith I”, 1901

In 1902, Klimt presented an opulent masterpiece known as the Beethoven Frieze. This monumental work, showcased at the 14th Secessionist exhibition in Vienna, pays homage to the genius composer Ludwig van Beethoven, immortalizing his Ninth Symphony through intricate drawings. The Beethoven Frieze encompasses the sumptuous scenes, enigmatic imagery, and sparkling embellishments that characterize Klimt’s “golden” period.

Detail of the “Beethoven Frieze”, 1902

The Climax of the Golden Period

During the pinnacle of his “golden” phase, Klimt produced three masterpieces: Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, The Stoclet Frieze, and The Kiss.

Klimt was frequently commissioned to paint portraits of Vienna’s affluent women, and one of his most remarkable works is the iconic ‘Portrait of Adèle Bloch-Bauer I’ (1907). This artwork embodies the stunning beauty of the modern Viennese woman, with the bold utilization of gold imparting an ethereal allure reminiscent of Byzantine mosaics.

Adele Bloch-Bauer I, 1907

Between 1905 and 1911, Klimt dedicated himself to the creation of the ‘Tree of Life,’ a triptych of mosaics commissioned for the Stocklet Mansion in Brussels, Belgium. Symbolizing the eternal cycle of life, the Tree of Life is portrayed with spiral branches and intricate motifs, presented in an ancient style. The two women flanking the Tree represent different stages of life, while the ever-transforming tree serves as a poignant symbol of the perpetual change and growth that life encompasses. Notably, the ‘Tree of Life’ stands as Klimt’s sole landscape painting utilizing gold.

Tree of Life, 1905-1909

‘The Kiss’ emerges as the magnum opus of Gustav Klimt’s illustrious career. This exquisite artwork captures an enamored couple locked in an embrace, set against a resplendent backdrop of a flower-laden forest. With its interplay of opulence and spellbinding beauty, ‘The Kiss’ encapsulates the essence of the “golden” era, meticulously merging captivating motifs with luminous gold accents.

The Kiss, 1907-1908

Life After the “Golden” Era

By 1911, Klimt veered away from utilizing gold in his artworks, instead incorporating complex and vibrant colors reminiscent of handmade tapestries or mosaic art.

Death and Life, 1910-1915

Klimt continued to create awe-inspiring art until his passing in 1918. Although his later works were highly regarded (his piece ‘Death and Life’ won first prize at the international art exhibition in Rome in 1911), it is the “golden” series that eternally shines as the zenith of his illustrious career.

Details of the work “The Kiss”

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