Here are some facts about Gustav Klimt, the famous Austrian artist.
- Gustav Klimt was born on 14th July 1862 in Baumgarten, Austria.
- His mother wanted to be a musical performer (but never fulfilled her dream) and his father was an engraver of gold.
- Gustav was a talented artist from a young age. He attended the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts and he received a formal training in traditional artistic techniques and methods.
- In 1877 he formed an artistic team with his brother, Ernst Klimt, and their friend, Franz Matsch. They received several commissions and painted murals in one of Vienna’s museums.
- In the 1880s, Kilmt became well-known for his mural painting. He even received the Golden Order of Merit from the Austrian Emperor for his murals in the Burgtheater, Vienna.
- Gustav’s brother, Ernst, and father both died in 1892. This brought about a change in Gustav’s artistic style.
- His work included lots of symbolism. He incorporated gold leaf and Byzantine-inspired imagery. His paintings are very intricate and took many hours to complete.
- Klimt lived a simple life. When at home he wore a long robe and sandals. He painted all day, every day.
- Some of Kilmt’s most famous works include: The Kiss, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, Houses in Unterach on the Attersee, and Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II.
- Gustav Klimt never painted a self-portrait.
- Klimt died on 6th February 1918. He suffered with pneumonia following a severe influenza outbreak, and he died of a stroke. He is buried in the Hietzinger Cemetery in Vienna.
- Klimt’s painting now sell for incredibly large sums. It is estimated that his portrait Adele Bloch-Bauer I (painted in 1907), changed hands for more than $135 million.
- The 14th July 2012 marked the 150th anniversary of Klimt’s birth. Many exhibitions were put on in Vienna, Austria to mark this occasion, Austria minted a special 50 Euro coin, and Google added a Klimt inspired doodle to its logo.
What next? Discover some facts about other famous artists.