Gustav Klimt

Biography

Gustav Klimt (1862–1918) was an Austrian painter and one of the most prominent members of the Vienna Secession movement, known for his highly decorative, symbolic, and often erotic works. Born on July 14, 1862, in Baumgarten, near Vienna, Klimt displayed artistic talent early and studied at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts, where he developed his technical skills in painting and design.

Klimt’s career evolved from traditional academic painting to a highly personal style characterized by gold leaf, intricate patterns, and sensuous subject matter. His most celebrated works include The Kiss (1907–1908) and Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I (1907), which combine ornamental detail with intense psychological and emotional depth. He often explored themes of love, death, and the human psyche, blending symbolism with modernist aesthetics.

As a founding member of the Vienna Secession, Klimt challenged conservative artistic norms and promoted innovation in art and design. His legacy continues to influence modern art, and he is remembered as a master of color, pattern, and symbolic expression. Gustav Klimt died on February 6, 1918, leaving an enduring impact on the art world.