Landscapes

by Gustav Klimt, Stephan Koja (editor)

Now in flexi-cover, this visually stunning collection of Klimt's landscape paintings brings to light a lesser-known aspect of the Viennese painter's uvre. While Klimt is largely revered for his opulent, symbol-laden portraits of the Viennese bourgeoisie, these works were just one aspect of his artistic expression. His landscapes represent an important facet of his career and are a valuable contribution to the school of European nature painting. For many years the artist travelled to the Austrian and Italian countryside during the summer, where he took advantage of the extraordinary light and spectacular hues to paint and sketch landscapes. Among the most exquisite of Klimt's landscapes are those in which he experimented with composition and style. Accompanied by scholarly essays, the images reproduced in this book comprise all extant landscapes from this brilliant artist, proving that his mastery extends beyond portraiture and revealing themes that appeared throughout his life's work.

Genres: Art, Art Design

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2002

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

[David Sandum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gustav Klimt is known for his stunning portraits and figures, decorated in gold-leaf and splendor. He also addressed the human psyche, daring sensuality, and the different phases of life. Here we learn of yet another aspect to this brilliant artist - his amazing eye for landscapes. As a painter, I was amazed to see how often he used a high horizon-line, a very difficult thing to do, as one must create depth with a large foreground. Through this book, my admiration for him as an artist/work grew even stronger. I did not think it possible.

[Ann Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book about Klimt's landscapes. I had no idea he did so many and that they were so flat out gorgeous.

[Mary Madigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book to look at the beautiful pictures, but also managed to learn a little about Vienesse & European attitudes during Klimt's lifetime. Definitely worthwhile -

[Tim Caines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating insights into an artist who has really grown on me. I may have to get on of his landscapes framed in my bedroom!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for the images and found it was beautifully written. I read all of the essays in a weekend.