subject: Understanding the Inspiration Behind the Works of Gustav Klimt [print this page] Understanding the Inspiration Behind the Works of Gustav Klimt
The beauty of Byzantine churches which boast shining gold mosaic domes along with gorgeous art are seen through the entire Mediterranean area, especially in Sicily, with Cathedrals including Monreale and Italy, with St Marks in Venice. The shimmering hues of silk (whose creation was a state secret inside the Empire) along with gold and enamels created explosively colorful murals. The Byzantines seemed to be cognizant of their particular influence on those who visited their churches and seemed to purposely cultivated it, potentially in the process creating the jealousy which in turn brought on the fourth crusade and the Empire's eventual end.
Nowhere can the multi-colored golden inspiration of Byzantine art be viewed more evidently than with the art of famed artist Gustav Klimt, though his work ended up being quite different from the religious art that provided his inspiration.
Commonly, Byzantine art work has two dimensional portraiture usually involving mythological together with religious moments, the paintings of Klimt can often be deemed sensual and practically totally consisting of female form. The Byzantine influence is observed in the application of mosaic structures and ornamental flourishes, jeweled hues and gold. Klimt's brother and father were both gold engravers, and that is likely the explanation for the application of gold in a multitude of his art works. Though Klimt would not travel a good deal, he regularly went to both Ravenna and Venice so it would seem probable that this is how he ended up being in contact with Byzantine art.
Klimt started off work as a an architectural painter working with his brother and a friend to color interior murals and ceilings. He was awarded a medal honoring his work in 1888, yet his method altered after the demise of his brother and father. For ten years from 1897 Klimt would be a member (and formerly president) of the Wiener Sezession a contingent of artists who protested classic art theory so therefore separated themselves from the Association of Austrian Artists. Their purpose would be to present exhibitions for unusual artists and bring in the best of international artwork to Vienna. They didn't adhere to any sort of distinct style and obtained government aid consisting of a lease on some public land at which they might possibly develop an event hall.
The art of Gustav Klimt would not fare well initially. A number of the works of art he was commissioned to generate were declined and thought to be 'pornographic'. His future effort was more warmly accepted, specifically those of his 'gold' period when he included significant amounts of gold leaf. In 1911 Klimt won first prize in the world exhibitions held in Rome, yet he left very little behind apart from his artwork. His life had not been populated with scandal, he painted no self portraits and kept no notes and no diary. The talented artist passed on in 1918 abandoning several paintings not finished.
Three of Klimt's works of art obtained among the highest prices ever before paid for art work with the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I selling for $135 million in 2006. At the moment it was the largest selling price previously paid for a painting, although it has now been surpassed by the $137 paid for Willem de Kooning's Woman III and the $140 million paid for Jackson Pollocks No 5, 1948.
Few of us have the funds to indulge in authentic artwork, or even the appropriate living space in which to hang a good Klimt reproduction, however several of Klimt's more popular works can now be experienced as statues, and thus they create intriguing decorative creations and practical presents for art enthusiasts or anyone who might enjoy a an art-inspired museum gift.
