GUSTAW KLIMT

In June 2006, the Neue Galerie in New York purchased Gustav Klimt's 1907Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I for $135 million. This deposed Picasso'sBoy With a Pipe (sold May 2004 for $104 million) as the highest reportedprice ever paid for a piece of art sold at a public auction. However,Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) was a controversial figure in his time. Far frombeing acknowledged as the representative artist of his age, he was thetarget of violent criticism - his work sometimes being displayed behind ascreen to avoid corrupting the sensibilities of the young. Today, Klimt'sworks are recognized as masterpieces and stand out as some of the mostsignificant paintings ever to come out of Vienna. The Byzantine luxurianceof form, the vivid juxtaposition of colours and the rich symbolism,sensuality and eroticism of his work have made Klimt one of the mostpopular artists in the world. Arranged thematically, the 130 reproductionsof Klimt's most important work are accompanied by Rachel Barnes' expert andinsightful commentary on all aspects of the artist's life, influences andpaintings - from the inspiration and provenance of each painting, to thetechnique used to create it and a list of exhibitions. Featuring some ofthe most iconic, important (and valuable) artworks of the late 19th/early20th centuries, such as the Judith I, Portrait of Adele-Bloch-Bauer I andII, and The Kiss, this is a book that Klimt enthusiasts and art lovers willcherish.