Essential Klimt

Over the years, I've only looked at Klimt from the edges - that is, I was aware only of the more popular poster images you couldn't help seeing here and there. But this book is a big revelation to me. Such genius! He is truly amazing, and I had no idea of the range of his thought or the depth of his talent. He was a superb draftsman, which enabled him to take risks with the figure because he knew exactly what he was doing. A well-designed book - a complete visual pleasure, and fire to the imagination.

Like most people casually interested in art and art history, I am familiar with Gustav Klimt's most famous and most often reproduced work, The Kiss. Although I was not aware of it, I had also enjoyed some of his other work, like the portrait of Emilie Floge; I had simply been unaware that it was one of his products. I am always impressed with his incredible sense of design, which to some extent reminds me of works of classic mosaic. His use of line and especially texture, particularly where he employs gold, has the feel of ancient art. All these points I realized on my own, but the author Laura Payne, an Oxford PhD in 20th Century art, brought Klimt's other works and styles to my attention. Unsurprisingly the artist was a member of a family of gold and silver engravers. One of Klimt's brothers became a goldsmith and one a printer. Klimt himself showed considerable talent for art and design early in his life, enrolling at 14 at the School of Arts and Krafts in Vienna, Austria. While his early school portfolio contained works that were rather stiff although technically excellent, his later work was amazing for its breadth of style. To study the artist's work chronologically is to follow art history from Photo Realism and Impressionism to Art Nouveau and Art Deco. One can see influences from a veritable Who's Who of famous artists: John Singer Sargent, Beardsley, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, among others, yet he is nowhere a mere copyist. Although less well known than other artists, Klimt deserves more attention since his repertoire is sensational. I haven't studied individual styles or artists to any great extent, but to that which I have, the only artist who comes close to Klimt's breadth is Jean Gerome, who's works are also surprising in scope. A very enlightening book. One I intend to keep.

klimt's work is endlessly fascinating... its eroticism, its mythological references, its composition. klimt captures the power and symbolism of color and shape in a way that is unique amongst artists in the canon. his images are not merely pictures of women (and a few men), but stories with complicated layers of meaning. all this delicate beauty could be easily lost in printing, but this book has somehow managed to preserve it, and it is amazing! the text gives biographical and historical context, which is always helpful, and even ventures into analysis -- i enjoy knowing other people's perspectives, because it helps me to read deeper into what i'm seeing. all the master works are here, as well as many treasures that are often overlooked. if you are interested in art nouveau, art history, symbolism in art, and/or art history you really should own this book. believe me, it is well worth the price -- i wasn't expecting much for (the price), and would have willingly paid much more. i wish i had it in hardback though...

This book is great. Contains alot of Klimt's paintings, all color plates, and alot of the drawings. The quality of prints is wonderful. I have seen many different books on Klimt's works and this one is definitely the best by quality and content and for a great price too! Highly recommend it to anyone.

Klimt is my favorite artist and yet it is so difficult to find quality reproductions of his works; usually the color is faded or the gold leaf comes out a sickly yellow!! This book has beautiful reproductions and concise and informative explanations next to each painting as well as an interesting biography on Klimt. I highly recommend this book for a clear, concise overview.