Gustav Klimt (died 1918 aged 55) – Gilded in gold, art nouveau portraits with symbolism

(Pronounced guust-af klimt)

Klimt – Clearly never skimped on gold

The gust of (Gustav) wind made the gold he used shimmer. He clearly never skimped (Klimt) on gold.

It's rather good stuff (Gustav) these paintings which have been clearly clad with gold that glints (Klimt).

Many of Klimt's paintings are held in Vienna, where he was born and spent his working life. They are rich in real gold leaf, causing them to glow, catching the light and drawing viewers in.

As well as the use of gold leaf, his work is intricately decorated with patterns. When looking at his work, you notice the repetition of pattern, shape and symbols. This rich, patterned style was seen as a rebellion against the traditional, academic styles of painting that were popular at the time.

his work is intricately decorated with patterns. When looking at his work you notice the repetition of pattern, shape and symbols.

Many of his subjects were women: for instance, two of his most famous paintings were The Kiss and Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer.

Many of his subjects were women, for instance, two of his most famous paintings were The Kiss and Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer.
The Kiss (1907-08) / Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer (1907)

Nobody before had created – lavishly decorative patterns and gold leaf