GUSTAV KLIMT
Gustav Klimt, a 19th century Austrian symbolist painter, became the first president of the Vienna Secession movement, which contained a group of artists who rebelled against artistic academic tradition. Klimt’s personal style boasted symbolism, both erotic and decorative. Born in Vienna, his father was a poor gold engraver, and his mother, while musically gifted, did not produce income either. Klimt’s talents developed early and fortunately landed him a scholarship to Vienna School of Arts and Crafts, where he received and happily accepted classical training. Early adulthood directed Klimt to open a studio with his younger brother and friend, where they worked on murals for Vienna’s aristocracy. His brother eventually passed, which profoundly affected him, causing him to leave the studio and join the Vienna Secession where he became free to express himself without regards to the trappings of naturalistic, classical art.
