Gustav Klimt

Tree of Life Images

Gustav Klimt (July 14, 1862 – February 6, 1918) was an Austrian Symbolist painter and one of the most prominent members of the Vienna Secession movement.

Gustav Klimt was born in Baumgarten, near Vienna, the second of seven children, three boys and four girls.[3] All three sons displayed artistic talent early on. His father, Ernst Klimt, formerly from Bohemia, was a gold engraver.[4] Klimt lived in poverty for most of his childhood, as work was scarce and economic advancement was difficult for immigrants.

In 1876, Klimt was awarded a scholarship to the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts (where he studied until 1883, and received training as an architectural painter.

Klimt's 'Golden Phase' was marked by positive critical reaction and success. Many of his paintings from this period used gold leaf; the prominent use of gold can first be traced back to Pallas Athene (1898)

Art historians note an eclectic range of influences contributing to Klimt's distinct style, including Egyptian, Minoan, Classical Greek, and Byzantine inspirations.

Tree of Life Images are found in many cultures.

The artist Gustav Klimt incorporated the tree in a work entitled The Tree of Life for a larger work called the Stoclet Frieze.

What do you see the artist using to create his abstract trees?