Klimt

Klimt by Gilles Néret, published by Taschen in 2015, is an illustrated exploration of the work of the renowned Austrian symbolist Gustav Klimt. This edition, comprising 95 pages, delves into Klimt’s ornate art, which reflects the apocalyptic atmosphere of Vienna’s upper middle-class society at the turn of the 20th century. The book highlights the interplay between beauty and mortality in Klimt’s creations, emphasizing the aesthetic awareness and pleasure-seeking tendencies of his contemporaries.

Readers will find a detailed examination of Klimt’s artistic techniques and themes, particularly his celebrated depictions of female beauty and eroticism. The work also addresses the historical context of Klimt’s art, revealing how the societal backdrop influenced his creations. This illustrated edition serves as a monograph that not only showcases Klimt’s significant contributions to modern art but also situates his work within broader discussions of art history and individual artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.