The Inspiration Of Gustav Klimt’s Work

The wonder of Byzantine churches which boast glinting gold mosaic domes along with stunning art are seen through the Mediterranean and beyond, particularly in Sicily, with Cathedrals like Monreale and Italy, with St Marks in Venice. The jeweled colorization of silk (whose production was a state secret within the Empire) coupled with gold and enamels made Byzantine walls explosions of color. The Byzantines seemed to be aware of their influence on guests and seemed to purposely flaunted it, potentially in the process causing the jealousy which brought about the fourth crusade along with the Empire’s inevitable downfall.

Nowhere is the colorful golden inspiration of the Byzantine world be observed more evidently than in the work of famous artist Gustav Klimt, yet his work ended up being very different from the religious art that provided his inspiration.

Commonly, Byzantine Byzantine painting makes use of two dimensional portraiture generally associated with mythological along with religious displays, the artwork of Klimt is frequently described as erotic and nearly totally composed of female figures. The Byzantine influence is clear in the application of mosaic forms and ornamental flourishes, jewel-like colorings and the use of gold.  Klimt’s father and brother were  gold engravers, and perhaps that is the reason behind the usage of gold in a multitude of  his most well-known efforts. Though Klimt would not travel a good deal, he routinely visited both Ravenna and Venice therefore would seem probable that this is where he had been inspired by Byzantine art.

Klimt started off work being an muralist working with his brother as well as a close friend to color interior murals and ceilings. He received a medal for his work in 1888, however his approach changed following the demise of his brother and father. For ten years from 1897 Klimt would be a member (and at one time president) of the Wiener Sezession a contingent of artists who protested classic art theory and therefore seceded from the Association of Austrian Artists. Their aim was to deliver exhibitions for unconventional artists and provide the best of international artwork to Vienna. They did not prefer any kind of particular style and received government aid consisting of a lease on some public land at which they might possibly build an convention hall.

Klimt’s individual art would not fare well in the beginning. Many of the works he had been commissioned to create were turned down and perceived as ‘pornographic’. His future effort was far better received, especially that relating to his ‘gold’ period when he incorporated significant amounts of gold leaf. In 1911 Klimt won first prize in the world exhibitions held in Rome, yet he left very little behind other than his fine art. His life had not been full of scandal, he painted no self portraits and kept no records and no journal. The talented artist passed away in 1918 leaving behind many paintings not finished.

Three of Klimt’s works received among the highest prices ever paid for art work with the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer selling for $135 million in 2006. At the moment it had been the highest price tag previously paid for a piece of art, although it’s today been surpassed by the $137 paid for Willem de Kooning’s Woman III and the $140 million paid for Jackson Pollocks No 5, 1948.

Few of us have enough money to enjoy unique art work, or even the suitable living space in which to hang a good Klimt imitation, however a few of Klimt’s more famous works can now be experienced as sculptures, and as such they create interesting decorative creations and great gifts for art lovers or anyone who might enjoy an art-inspired museum gift.