Gustav Klimt

Gustav Klimt (1862–1918) was an Austrian painter and one of the leading figures of Art Nouveau and the Vienna Secession.

Gustav Klimt (1862–1918) was an Austrian painter and one of the leading figures of Art Nouveau and the Vienna Secession. He is especially known for highly decorative works such as *The Kiss* and for paintings that combine symbolism, ornament, and gold leaf. Klimt was born near Vienna and died in Vienna in 1918.

Early life and training

Klimt was born in 1862 in Baumgarten, near Vienna, as the second of seven children. He studied at the Vienna School of Applied Arts and began his career working on architectural and decorative commissions.

Vienna Secession

In 1897, Klimt helped found the Vienna Secession and served as its first president. The group broke away from the conservative Künstlerhaus to promote modern art in Austria.

Style and major works

Klimt became known for highly decorative paintings that often used gold leaf, stylised figures, and ornamental backgrounds. His best-known works include *The Kiss* and *Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer*.

Later career and death

Klimt remained one of the best-known Viennese artists of the early 20th century. He suffered a stroke in 1918, then developed pneumonia and died in Vienna later that year.