26 June 2018

Stylistic changes in art - from Historicism to Jugendstil, presented at the exhibition 'Gustav Klimt. Artist of the Century' at Leopold Museum in Vienna (until 4 November)

Recently on 22 June, the anniversary exhibition 'Gustav Klimt. Artist of the Century' presenting the development of Vienna Modernism (Wiener Moderne, turn of the 19/20th century, video) with artefacts from the painter's legacy (paintings, drawings, archival documents,...) opened at Leopold Museum in Vienna. Even when 100 years ago one of the central personalities of Vienna Modernism died - Gustav Klimt lived from 1862 to 1918, his stylistic heritage is still a lively foundation of the city's people creative output. Additionally to the exploration of changes in art at the turn of 1900, visitors of the exhibition will get an authentic insight into the concept of the birthplace of modern design in Vienna, the Wiener Werkstätte where products were developed from the idea of the creation of a Gesamtkunstwerk (universal work of art).

The exhibition of Gustav Klimt's oeuvre - from Historicism to Jugendstil (Vienna Art Nouveau), throws light on the development of Vienna Modernism by following the painter's tracks, even with views on his private life such as his summer vacations with his companion fashion designer Emilie Flöge at lake Attersee which is reflected also in his work; around one quarter of his paintings are contributed to landscapes.

"The artist wanted to depict a natural environment independent of man that reflects a tranquil atmosphere – his interest in a symbolic expression and in aspects of timelessness and transience were central to these works." explains Hans-Peter Wipplinger, curator of the exhibition.

fig. above, from left: 'Portrait of a Woman' by Gustav Klimt, c. 1893; © Belvedere, Vienna, 2013 permanent loan from private collection. Photo: © Belvedere, Vienna/Johannes Stoll.

Middle: View at the area of the exhibition concerning Emilie Flöge - bathing dress owned by Emilie Flöge, designed by salon 'Schwestern Flöge' around 1910 and impressions of the salon 'Schwestern Flöge', interior designed by Wiener Werkstätte co-founder Josef Hoffmann, at 'Gustav Klimt. Jahrhundertkünstler' (22 June - 4 November 2018); © Leopold Museum, Wien. Photo: © Lisa Rastl.
In 1904, Emilie Flöge founded together with her sisters Helene and Pauline the salon 'Schwestern Flöge' (Flöge Sisters) where fashion in the new modern style of Wiener Werkstätte was created.

Right: 'Friends I (Sisters)' by Gustav Klimt, 1907; © Klimt-Foundation, Vienna. Photo: Klimt-Foundation, Vienna, © Manfred Thumberger.


more culture>