At the turn of the 20th century in Vienna, art was changing—and right at the heart of that transformation was Gustav Klimt.
His work was bold, sensual, covered in gold, and absolutely unlike anything people had seen before.
Klimt didn’t just paint pictures—he created worlds filled with emotion, desire, beauty, and even death. He shattered the rules of traditional art and made something entirely his own.
More Than an Artist: Klimt’s Curiosity About Life and Science
Klimt wasn’t just into art—he was also totally fascinated by science, especially biology and medicine.
He even sat in on anatomy lectures at the University of Vienna.
That curiosity shows up in his art. Some critics believe that the red circular patterns in The Kiss were inspired by red blood cells.
We don’t know for sure, but one thing’s clear—Klimt saw connections between the body and the spirit, between science and symbolism.
A Mentor with an Eye for Talent
Klimt also had a big heart for young artists. He spotted the talent of Egon Schiele—another Austrian art legend—when Schiele was still up-and-coming.
Instead of competing, Klimt supported him, gave him opportunities, and helped open doors.
Their relationship went beyond mentor and student—they inspired each other and helped shape what we now call Viennese Modernism.
Let’s Talk About The Kiss
If you’ve heard of Klimt, you’ve probably seen The Kiss.
Painted between 1907 and 1908, this golden masterpiece is the highlight of his “Golden Phase” and easily one of the most iconic paintings of modern art.
The image? Two lovers wrapped in a golden embrace, standing at the edge of a flower-covered cliff.
The man’s robe is full of sharp, square shapes; the woman’s dress is soft and rounded, with flowers and circles.
This isn’t random—it’s Klimt’s way of showing the contrast between masculinity and femininity through patterns and texture.
Gold, but Make It Art
One of the coolest things about The Kiss is how it literally glows.
That’s because Klimt used real gold leaf on the canvas—not just to be fancy, but to create depth, light, and a sense of sacred beauty.
This love for gold wasn’t just aesthetic—it was personal. Klimt’s father was a goldsmith, so Klimt grew up around shimmering metals and intricate craftsmanship.
Gold was in his blood. And in his hands, it became a way to bring ancient influences—like Byzantine mosaics—into the modern era.
Where to Find Klimt Today
Want to see The Kiss in real life? Head to the Belvedere Museum in Vienna, Austria.
That’s where the Austrian government snapped up the painting right after it was completed—and it’s still there, as one of their most treasured works.
While you’re there, check out Judith, The Maidens, and Birch Forest too.
You’ll see how Klimt moved between styles, but always kept that rich, emotional core.
A Legacy That Shines On
Klimt wasn’t just about beauty—he was about meaning.
His art dives into love, sensuality, identity, and even mortality. And while his golden aesthetic is instantly recognizable, it’s the emotion that really sticks with you.
His influence is still everywhere today—from paintings to fashion runways to interior design.
And honestly? Who wouldn’t want just one Klimt hanging in their home?
That golden embrace?
Still glowing after more than a hundred years.