Characteristically, the figures in Klimt's paintings are treated more or less naturalistically, but embellished - in the background or their clothing for example - with richly decorative patterns, creating a highly distinctive style of extraordinarily lush sensuality. I don't know how many pictures by him I'll be able to find and post, but I do feel he deserves a topic for being an extraordinary artist.

I'm going to start with some earlier works, and hopefully, as this topic grows longer, we will be able to compare his paintings, appreciate their versatility, but also his progress as an artist. Gustav Klimt 'Love' 1895 If I didn't know that this painting was by the same person who did 'The Virgin' that I posted in 20th century art, I would never have guessed it. It is not a perfect painting; I think it is because he simply hadn't at this point found his unique style as all artists must in order to become happy in their work. He was following convention instead of his heart. But it still is a good painting, and I can't help but be reminded of Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester when looking at it.

Good comparison!

Gustav Klimt Beethoven Freeze (first section) 1902 Though Klimt was highly successful early in his career as a painter of sumptuous decorative schemes, he was drawn to avant-garde art, and this wall painting clearly shows the influence that Impressionism, Symbolism and Art Nouveau had on him. This first part illustrates man's search for happiness.

And the rest of it: Gustav Klimt Beethoven Frieze (last section) 1902-03

More dreamy-eyed women! So soothing, yet weird.

I think it's because his faces and figures are pretty naturalistic and serene - but he frames them in such incredible colours and patterns that it can't be anything but weird!

Alright, so all three pictures I have posted illustrate the beauty of love and hope etc. Now for something that personifies the dark side of love.... Gustav Klimt 'Judith I' 1901

Wonder what happened to Judiths II on?

Patience, deary!

I have really come to like Klimt by viewing these pictures and add me to the list of folks who can't wait to see "Judith II"; there really is more? By the way, Riette, are you going to comment on these topics in your videotape in the making? (can't hardly wait for that either!)

Shoot, I never thought of it, Terry!!! Like what sort of comments? I will probably be doing some sort of introduction, and at one point I sort of blabber about what's happening with the painting I was doing at the time. At the moment it's sort of bits and pieces, which I will try and bring together on a proper tape - though, how it's going to come out with my technical skills is a big mystery to me. Still haven't been able to make pictures of Z�rich, as the weather has been totally black here for over a week now. But once that's done the tape will be more or less finished, I think. It's all very silly and boring, so don't get yourself excited. AT least you'll have something to laugh about when you see what a frump I really am! HA-ha!!

And: Gustav Klimt 'Judith II' 1901 I think both these paintings would both look good in the 'Eroticism in Art' topic as well. In this one I think the face is just fantastic.

ok, what's up with the person peeping from behind her skirt?

It's Wer, no doubt! See, he looks just like that one funny photo he posted that time!

true :)

Riette, you could make your own little art documentary--you could be the next Sister Wendy!

can't be me, I'd be too busy peeking up her skirt...

LOL!!! Sister Ri�tte. Imagine! Not sure Sister Wendy (who is, by the way, South African) would approve of her fellow sister's language usage though.....or the camera guy peaking up her skirt! At least I'd smile the Mona Lisa smile all the time! Which reminds me: in Afrikaans there is a saying that one says when a woman laughs very loudly. It goes: "Sy lag soos 'n non op 'n worteltrok." It means: "She's laughing like a nun on the back of a carrot van." When Sister Wendy smiles, I always think of this saying!

oh i love sister wendy! "Wembwandt's work duwing the Wenaissance"

She's gorgeous - I learned more about the interpretation of paintings through her programme than through any of my many books. Great old las!

Klimpt's "The Kiss" is my favorite painting of all time. It is the only reproduction hanging in my home. All I can afford is a lithograph! I can stare at it for hours. I never fail to see something new, or feel something new. I was hoping someone would post it here so I could have it for screen wallpaper. :)

that's how i feel about the embrace sculpture. it's lovely to look at and is not risque in anyway. who did the kiss? was it klimt?

Yes. I will see if I can find it on the web somewhere.

Here it is. Klimt's "The Kiss": http://www.mit.edu/people/lpachter/pic.html

thanks, i'll go look!

Here it is. Klimt's "The Kiss": http://www.mit.edu/people/lpachter/pic.html

Or maybe this is more convenient...

argggh! i have no idea why it isn't displaying. Terry, can you or WER fix it for me?

I can't right now. I'm behind a firewall, dah link.

well, i went to the link and checked it out...the piece is familiar now that i've seen several of his paintings here...i can recognize it by looking at the woman's face. funny, never thought i'd really recognize and associate an artist's work this way...(besides da vinci, michangelo, picasso, monet, etc.)

well, i went to the link and checked it out...the piece is familiar now that i've seen several of his paintings here...i can recognize it by looking at the woman's face. funny, never thought i'd really recognize and associate an artist's work this way...(besides da vinci, michealangelo, picasso, monet, etc.)

Gustav Klimt 'The Kiss' I always think of this painting as an icon to love. The two lovers are painted in such a way that it is difficult to see where one ends and the other begins. I think it is about the loss of oneness, the loss of the selve when one loves another. Sorry I haven't really posted many pictures this week - I've been dreadfull busy.

Thank you, Riette! Isn't it gorgeous! The tenderness is nearly tangible.

One of my all-time favourites; now that I experience just such a love, I can appreciate it even more.

Now for something a little different. Gustav Klimt 'Idylle' 1884 I find the baby in this painting just gorgeous - reminds me so much of Elza. She also stands like that with her funny little feet.

A real departure from this artist's other work!! Yes, the babies are sweet.

He is just so incredibly versatile. I read that this guy was a terrible womanizer. Perhaps that is why he paints women so beautifully.

He can really appreciate them! To a fault.