Saturday, May 22, 2010

Gustav Klimt - The Kiss [1907-08]


In a mass of patterns and shapes, the form of a kissing couple emerges from a field of flowers. Gold dominates the colour scheme, punctuated by the bright colours of the flowers and the rich decorative designs on the clothing. The eroticism of the image is conveyed through sensuous line, bold patterns and luscious colours which create a dream world that is also luxurious and decadent.

Essentially a decorator, Klimt was a leader of the Vienna Seccession, a group of artists and craftsmen who revolted against the conservative and moralising works of the previous generation. Their new style is often called Art Nouveau. He produced a number of portraits, mainly of women, and some large allegorical and mythical paintings. Although Klimt was most successful as a designer for the applied arts (such as mosaic), his murals for Vienna University were unpopular and considered pornographic at the time.

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