Art Masters: Gustav Klimt

by An Hodge

Art Masters Gustav Klimt ABISBOOK Arcturus.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

96 pages, Hardcover

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Dominique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful reproductions of the art in this edition, with nice thick paper. However, the writing is so simplified, so void of depth, that I had to look up if it was a translated work, or something published by AI. It doesn't seem to be, but the Wikipedia article is written better than this book. Much of the sections are written in short sentences, with works being referred to without page numbers in many instances. Also, on page 11, in an inset describing Laufberger's painting, the girl playing blindfolded in a circle is referred to as a cow, and not a girl? Also, the portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer (I) is referred to throughout the text, but not featured. I imagine because it is the most popular of his paintings that the publishing house couldn't secure the rights.

The text does not really dive into any complicated matters with Klimt's children, and ends right at his death, not going into any of the painting's legacies, especially with all the WWII Nazi thefts.

With all this being said, I'm still happy with the book since it was on discount and I only paid 7.50$ CAD for a new edition. However, I would not recommend purchasing more art books written by A N Hodge unless you are only interested in the images, and I would not recommend purchasing this book for full list price. Perhaps Arcturus edited this book down to a most simple language for a wide audience...who knows.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Klimt has to be one of my favourite artists. I have always loved his famous painting (The Kiss) with its detail, embrace and goldwork. His femme fatales, landscapes, murals and drawings are out of this world - and we are given some wonderful literature and imagery throughout each of the sections (and other sections). I loved how Klimt juxtaposed realism with abstract and patterned themes. His repetitive patterns really appeal to my eye. I didn't know that he'd painted fabrics and actually designed clothes - I always saw his work as having this quality - but only realised the fashion link in this book! A truly beautiful read, that has made me want to delve more into Klimt's stunning work.

[Miss Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of Klimt's life but I was hoping for more actual artwork to be included.