Unfinished Portrait of a Lady by Gustav Klimt

Portrait of a Lady (unfinished)

Gustav Klimt

1917-1918

Pen, ink, and watercolor on paper.

Gustav Klimt was an Austrian symbolist painter who was known for his elaborate and decorative art style, which often featured bright colors and intricate patterns. The vibrancy of the colors in his artwork can be seen as a symbol of the artist's desire to create vibrant, life-affirming images that celebrate the beauty of the natural world.

The painting above is part of a collection from Austrian artist Gustav Klimt's studio upon his death in 1918. The contrast between the yellow background with a faint outline of a body, and the paleness and details in the face highlights the subject's expression and inner emotions. This elucidates Klimt's artistic process as well as the focus he had while creating this piece. Stripping away the usual intricate patterns and symbols in his artwork, we are reminded of the essence of the human experience.