Gustav Klimt

Biography

Gustav Klimt was born in Baumgarten near Vienna in 1862. He was the son of an engraver and was raised in poverty.

At the age of fourteen Klimt started to attend Kunstgewerbeschule (School of Arts and Crafts) in Vienna, and was soon receiving commissions whilst studying there. He formed a studio called Kunstlercompanie (Company of Artists) with his brother.

In 1886 they won a prize for their designs for decorations of the staircases at the Burgtheater and in 1890 Klimt received the Emperor’s prize for painting.

In 1892 Klimt lost both his brother and his father. He moved to a larger studio to continue with his work and in 1893 was nominated for professor at the Vienna Academy, however he was rejected.

During the 1880’s and 1890’s Klimt produced murals for many public buildings and his style grew increasingly experimenta. His mural for the Great Hall at Vienna University was attacked by critics for its fantastical imagery and Klimt never took a public commission again.

In 1897, Klimt felt his integrity as an artist was under threat and he formed 'The Secession', a group of artists dedicated to challenging the Academy of Fine Arts. They gave exposure to young, unconventional artists by bringing foreign art to Vienna and by publishing a magazine.

The first exhibition by the Secession attracted 57,000 visitors and the movement rapidly became the leading Artist Association in Vienna; Klimt would remain at the centre of the Secession activity until 1905.

Klimt had created a new and highly individual style with the use of intense colours, golden backgrounds, ornamental layouts and often erotic elements and heavy symbolism which caused controversy. Despite the controversy, Klimt established himself as a popular painter in Viennese society and his work can be seen at the Museum of Applied Art in Vienna, and also the Vienna Secession gallery.