Gustav Klimt

Gustav Klimt (born 1862 in Baumgarten, near Vienna, Austria; died 1918 in Vienna) was a prominent Austrian painter and a leading figure of the Vienna Secession movement. He spent most of his life working in Vienna, where he became known for his symbolist and highly decorative style. Klimt is best known for his richly ornamental portraits, allegorical works, and landscapes, often rendered in oil and gold leaf, with his most iconic painting being The Kiss (1907–08). His work frequently explores themes of eroticism, femininity, and the cycle of life and death, characterised by intricate patterns and sensual imagery. Klimt's paintings are held in major public and private collections, including the Belvedere Museum in Vienna and the Neue Galerie in New York. Although he did not receive major awards during his lifetime, his influence on modern art is widely recognised. Klimt remains a highly marketable and frequently traded artist; his works command some of the highest prices at auction, contributing to a strong and highly liquid market presence.