Gustav Klimt: Drawings & Watercolours

by Gustav Klimt, Rainer Metzger

Gustav Klimt the painter has always tended to overshadow Gustav Klimt the draughtsman. One of the most fascinating representatives of the Belle Epoque, Klimt is chenshed for his rich use of ornament and his paintings of fin de siecle Viennese high society, which bring to life the decadence of the era through vibrant colours and patterns. Yet there can be no doubt about Klimt's greatness as a draughtsman. Remarkable above all is the intensely sensual mood that he establishes in his limpid, fluid drawings and watercolours; the line with which his subjects are described explores and caresses as though the drawing itself was an act of seduction. Here, Rainer Metzger brings together hundreds of Klimt's works on paper in a way that enriches our knowledge of the artist and enhances the visual impact of his oeuvre. Many revolve around Klimt's taboo-breaking main themes - the naked woman, erotica and homoerotica - while others provide allegorical and historical insights. Between these...

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

399 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2005

About the author

Gustav Klimt was born in Baumgarten, near Vienna, the second of seven children — three boys and four girls. All three sons displayed artistic talent early on. His father, Ernst Klimt, formerly from Bohemia, was a gold engraver. Ernst married Anna Klimt (née Finster), whose unrealized ambition was to be a musical performer. Klimt lived in poverty for most of his childhood, as work was scarce and economic advancement was difficult for immigrants.

In 1876, Klimt was awarded a scholarship to the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts (Kunstgewerbeschule), where he studied until 1883, and received training as an architectural painter. He revered the foremost history painter of the time, Hans Makart. Klimt readily accepted the principles of a conservative training; his early work may be classified as academic. In 1877 his brother Ernst, who, like his father, would become an engraver, also enrolled in the school. The two brothers and their friend Franz Matsch began working together; by 1880 they had received numerous commissions as a team they called the "Company of Artists", and helped their teacher in painting murals in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. Klimt began his professional career painting interior murals and ceilings in large public buildings on the Ringstraße including a successful series of "Allegories and Emblems".

In 1888, Klimt received the Golden order of Merit from Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria for his contributions to murals painted in the Burgtheater in Vienna. He also became an honorary member of the University of Munich and the University of Vienna. In 1892 both Klimt's father and brother Ernst died, and he had to assume financial responsibility for his father's and brother's families. The tragedies affected his artistic vision as well, and soon he would veer toward a new personal style. In the early 1890s, Klimt met Emilie Flöge, who, notwithstanding the artist's relationships with other women, was to be his companion until the end of his life. Whether his relationship with Flöge was sexual or not is debated, but during that period Klimt fathered at least 14 children.

--Wikipedia

Reviews

[Chris Shaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guy is obsessed, but lucky for me, I happen to share (at least a little bit) the obsession. The female body, under Klimt's gaze and a delicate hand, is rendered into a dreamy, graceful and extremely erotic landscape. Also a nice collection if you're interested in the artistic process--many of the drawings are studies for paintings that have now become quite well known.

[Toche Ruz⁷ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I forgot I read this while at my NYC Ib art trip! I had to purchase this book at the Met after seeing 2 of Klimt's work. He's not only my favourite artist but his works influence my own art style as well. It was really cool seeing his thinking process and light sketches after only seeing his final oil on canvas paintings. Love you long time Klimt.

[Harley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book for an introduction to the art of Gustav Klint. The book is filled with his sketches and a few finished paintings. I looked at the pictures and skipped the narrative.

[Jaimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the art books about Gustav Klimt focus on his paintings - both landscapes and portraits predominantly, with mention of his friezes - but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book focused on the sketches. The whole point of most artist's work are the final, finished paintings, but without the preliminary sketches they may never reach thse final masterpieces. By showcasing the plethora of Klimt's studio sketches Metzger is able to delve into his artistic processes, discussing the hedonistic atmosphere of his studio, the male erotic gaze (a predominant theme in Klimt's work), and hte contrasts between his various artistic phases (both finished and in situ). Most of the time I can't be bothered with the author's commentary, choosing instead to consume the artwork wholesale, but Metzger's text engages decently with the artwork and he keeps his language from being too academic. At times his discussion is a little overly detailed when discussing the artistic social atmosphere during Klimt's lifetime, but these details do give a more personal touch by engaging with the primary sources who were speaking about Klimt and his artwork during his lifetime. My only real criticism of this book is that the sheer volume of material becomes slightly monotonous after a while - there's only so many butts and naked ladies I need to see, even if each of the sketches are wonderful in their own regard.

[Christina Hirko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of Klimt's drafts and some great insight into what can be interpreted from those drawings and Klimt's art, as well as the art movements of the time surrounding Vienna and Klimt. Some of the wording, and particularly the order of the essays, is a bit tough to digest and get through, but with enough studying of the words--once the concept is perceived--it is really good and insightful.

[Servabo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Art is nothing more than the artist - this conviction was to become part of the manifesto of the generation that followed. Art is the cult of the ego: it is expression, authenticity, the moment - art is immediacy.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gustav Klimt’s art is pretty much a sapphic’s dream come true. I absolutely love this book of his art (and I can’t help but laugh at art of two naked women in bed with a title of “friends”.)

[ebag · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book manages to balance out these amazing artworks with interesting essays. I don't know what else to say other than I liked it a lot

[Gail Hembrough · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another Klimt. Another side of the artist.