Klimt and the Women of Vienna's Golden Age

This comprehensive and richly illustrated book delves into Gustav Klimt's exquisite depictions of women, a central theme throughout his artistic journey. As a pivotal figure in Vienna around the dawn of the twentieth century, Klimt served as a vital bridge between the traditions of nineteenth-century Symbolism and the burgeoning Modernism. His evocative and sensual portrayals of women remain some of his most acclaimed creations, forming the centerpiece of this publication. Among the notable works featured are prominent society portraits like Serena Lederer (1899), Gertrud Loew (1902), Adele Bloch-Bauer I (1907), Mäda Primavesi (1913), Elisabeth Lederer (1914–16), and Ria Munk III (1917). These masterpieces encapsulate the full range of Klimt's portrait techniques, spanning from his early mystical works inspired by Symbolism and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood to his iconic "golden style" and progressing to his nearly Fauvist interpretations. Accompanying these paintings are Klimt’s preparatory sketches and pieces of decorative art from the Wiener Werkstätte, providing a comprehensive insight into his artistic process and context.