From 1876 to 1883 Gustav Klimt
attended the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts and from 1879
he started working with his brother Ernst Klimt on decorative
paintings, designed for public buildings in Vienna, Bucharest
and Rijeka. In 1897 Klimt was one of the founding members
of the Vienna Secession. He was chairman until he resigned
in 1905. Gustav Klimt created a new and highly individual
style in the Austrian art world. He broke with the conventional
academic ideals.
Especially his later work is defined by the use of intensive
colors, golden backgrounds, ornamental layouts, erotic elements
and heavy symbolism. Although his work was controversal, he
had a strong influence on the cultural world of his time and
established himself as a very popular painter in the Viennese
society.
In Vienna's museums you can admire
some of his most famous works. The Museum
of Applied Arts is proud of its collection. At the Belvedere
you can take in 'Der Kuss' (The Kiss) in all its glory.
Famous work: "The
Kiss" 1908; "Dame mit Fächer" 1917
