Gustav Klimt Timeline
Gustav Klimt by People
Gustav Klimt was a famous Austrian painter, born in 1862, who is best known for his symbolist style and his significant contributions to the Art Nouveau movement. Some of his most famous works include "The Kiss" and "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I". Klimt co-founded the Vienna Secession, a group that sought to create new opportunities for young artists, breaking away from traditional art concepts. His unique style, often featuring erotic themes and intricate details, has had a lasting impact on the art world, making him one of the most influential painters of the early 20th century. Klimt passed away in 1918, but his art continues to be celebrated and studied today.
July 14, 1862
Birth of Gustav Klimt in Baumgarten, near Vienna, Austria
This Austrian artist was born in a place called Baumgarten, which is close to Vienna, Austria. He would grow up to become a significant figure in the symbolist movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work was often controversial, but it was also highly influential.
October 1, 1876
Enrollment at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts
The young artist began his formal training at this prestigious institution, which was known for its focus on applied arts. Here, he honed his skills in architectural painting, a discipline that would greatly influence his later works. His time at the school laid the foundation for his unique style, blending symbolism and eroticism.
Year 1883
Formation of the 'Company of Artists' with his brother Ernst and Franz Matsch
The 'Company of Artists' was a collaborative effort between three talented individuals. They primarily focused on creating historical scenes and decorations for theaters and public buildings. This venture marked a significant step in their artistic careers.
Year 1888
Awarded the Golden Order of Merit from Emperor Franz Josef I for his contributions to art
The Golden Order of Merit was a high honor given by the Austrian Empire, recognizing significant contributions in various fields. The Emperor himself, Franz Josef I, bestowed this award upon the artist for his exceptional work in the realm of painting. This recognition marked a significant milestone in the artist's career, highlighting his influence and importance in the Austrian art scene.
Year 1892
Death of his father and brother, leading to a change in his artistic style
The loss of his father and brother was a significant emotional blow for the artist. This event led him to shift away from his earlier, more conventional style. He began to experiment with symbolism and allegory, which would become defining features of his mature work.
April 3, 1897
Co-founds the Vienna Secession, a group of artists challenging traditional Austrian art
The Vienna Secession was a revolutionary movement that sought to break away from the conservative style of the Vienna Künstlerhaus. This group, co-founded by the Austrian painter, aimed to create a platform for unconventional and experimental artists. Their motto was "To every age its art, to every art its freedom," emphasizing their commitment to artistic freedom and innovation.
Year 1902
Completion of the Beethoven Frieze, one of his most famous works
The Beethoven Frieze, a large wall painting, was created for the 14th Vienna Secessionist exhibition in honor of composer Ludwig van Beethoven. This masterpiece, measuring over 7 feet tall and 112 feet wide, is a visual interpretation of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. It's now permanently housed in the Vienna Secession Building.
Year 1905
Leaves the Vienna Secession due to artistic differences
The artist felt constrained by the traditionalist views of the Vienna Secession, a group he had helped found. He wanted to explore more symbolic and erotic themes in his work, which led to his departure. This marked a significant turning point in his career, leading to his most famous period known as his "Golden Phase".
Year 1907
Begins work on 'The Kiss', his most famous painting
This artwork, created during the highpoint of his "Golden Period", is a masterpiece of early 20th century art. It depicts a couple embracing, their bodies entwined in elaborate robes. The painting is renowned for its intricate detail and the use of gold leaf, a technique inspired by Byzantine art.
Year 1911
Wins first prize at the International Art Exhibition in Rome for his painting 'Death and Life'
The painting 'Death and Life' is a symbolic work, showcasing the eternal cycle of human existence. The award was a significant recognition of Klimt's unique style, which combined symbolic, erotic, and allegorical subjects. This victory helped solidify his reputation as one of the leading artists of the early 20th century.
Year 1915
Death of his mother Anna
The death of Anna Klimt, the mother of the renowned Austrian painter, occurred during the midst of World War I. This event deeply affected the artist, as he was very close to his mother. It is believed that this personal loss influenced his later works, adding a layer of melancholy and introspection.
Year 1917
Appointed honorary member of the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts
This prestigious appointment was a recognition of his significant contributions to the art world. The Vienna Academy of Fine Arts is one of the oldest and most respected art institutions in Europe. This honor was bestowed upon him towards the end of his career, reflecting his status as a leading figure in the Austrian art scene.
January 11, 1918
Suffers a stroke and becomes partially paralyzed
The stroke that the Austrian painter suffered left him partially paralyzed, impacting his ability to paint. His health continued to deteriorate, and he was unable to recover fully. This unfortunate event marked the beginning of the end of his illustrious career in painting.
February 6, 1918
Death of Gustav Klimt due to complications from the stroke
The renowned artist suffered a stroke and pneumonia, brought on by the worldwide influenza epidemic of that year. He was not able to recover and passed away. His death marked the end of his significant contribution to the world of Symbolist and Art Nouveau painting.
Gustav Klimt was a famous Austrian painter, born in 1862, who is best known for his symbolist style and his significant contributions to the Art Nouveau movement. Some of his most famous works include "The Kiss" and "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I". Klimt co-founded the Vienna Secession, a group that sought to create new opportunities for young artists, breaking away from traditional art concepts. His unique style, often featuring erotic themes and intricate details, has had a lasting impact on the art world, making him one of the most influential painters of the early 20th century. Klimt passed away in 1918, but his art continues to be celebrated and studied today.
This Austrian artist was born in a place called Baumgarten, which is close to Vienna, Austria. He would grow up to become a significant figure in the symbolist movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work was often controversial, but it was also highly influential.
The young artist began his formal training at this prestigious institution, which was known for its focus on applied arts. Here, he honed his skills in architectural painting, a discipline that would greatly influence his later works. His time at the school laid the foundation for his unique style, blending symbolism and eroticism.
The 'Company of Artists' was a collaborative effort between three talented individuals. They primarily focused on creating historical scenes and decorations for theaters and public buildings. This venture marked a significant step in their artistic careers.
The Golden Order of Merit was a high honor given by the Austrian Empire, recognizing significant contributions in various fields. The Emperor himself, Franz Josef I, bestowed this award upon the artist for his exceptional work in the realm of painting. This recognition marked a significant milestone in the artist's career, highlighting his influence and importance in the Austrian art scene.
The loss of his father and brother was a significant emotional blow for the artist. This event led him to shift away from his earlier, more conventional style. He began to experiment with symbolism and allegory, which would become defining features of his mature work.
The Vienna Secession was a revolutionary movement that sought to break away from the conservative style of the Vienna Künstlerhaus. This group, co-founded by the Austrian painter, aimed to create a platform for unconventional and experimental artists. Their motto was "To every age its art, to every art its freedom," emphasizing their commitment to artistic freedom and innovation.
The Beethoven Frieze, a large wall painting, was created for the 14th Vienna Secessionist exhibition in honor of composer Ludwig van Beethoven. This masterpiece, measuring over 7 feet tall and 112 feet wide, is a visual interpretation of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. It's now permanently housed in the Vienna Secession Building.
The artist felt constrained by the traditionalist views of the Vienna Secession, a group he had helped found. He wanted to explore more symbolic and erotic themes in his work, which led to his departure. This marked a significant turning point in his career, leading to his most famous period known as his "Golden Phase".
This artwork, created during the highpoint of his "Golden Period", is a masterpiece of early 20th century art. It depicts a couple embracing, their bodies entwined in elaborate robes. The painting is renowned for its intricate detail and the use of gold leaf, a technique inspired by Byzantine art.
The painting 'Death and Life' is a symbolic work, showcasing the eternal cycle of human existence. The award was a significant recognition of Klimt's unique style, which combined symbolic, erotic, and allegorical subjects. This victory helped solidify his reputation as one of the leading artists of the early 20th century.
The death of Anna Klimt, the mother of the renowned Austrian painter, occurred during the midst of World War I. This event deeply affected the artist, as he was very close to his mother. It is believed that this personal loss influenced his later works, adding a layer of melancholy and introspection.
This prestigious appointment was a recognition of his significant contributions to the art world. The Vienna Academy of Fine Arts is one of the oldest and most respected art institutions in Europe. This honor was bestowed upon him towards the end of his career, reflecting his status as a leading figure in the Austrian art scene.
The stroke that the Austrian painter suffered left him partially paralyzed, impacting his ability to paint. His health continued to deteriorate, and he was unable to recover fully. This unfortunate event marked the beginning of the end of his illustrious career in painting.
The renowned artist suffered a stroke and pneumonia, brought on by the worldwide influenza epidemic of that year. He was not able to recover and passed away. His death marked the end of his significant contribution to the world of Symbolist and Art Nouveau painting.