Gustav Klimt (Austrian, 1862–1918) was a leading figure of the Viennese Secession, known for his sensual, symbol-laden paintings that pushed the boundaries of modern art. Born in Austria in 1862, Klimt began his career in academic mural painting but quickly veered toward a more experimental, ornate style. His work fuses myth, eroticism, and gold-leafed opulence, often placing the female body at the center of visual and symbolic inquiry. His most iconic works—The Kiss, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, and Judith—blend Byzantine influence with psychological intensity, shimmering between ecstasy and unease. While Klimt was often criticized for his eroticism during his lifetime, today he’s celebrated for his radical formalism, decorative complexity, and unflinching exploration of intimacy, power, and beauty.
