Beethovenfries: Die feindlichen Gewalten - Tafel 1, Stirnwand
1901/1902
Medium
Kaseinfarben, Stuckauflagen, Zeichenstift, Applikationen aus verschiedenen Materialien (Glas, Perlmutt etc.), Goldauflagen auf Mörtel
Dimensions
215 x 314 cm
Classification
Wandbild
Department
Belvedere Collection
Museum
Belvedere
Credit
Belvedere, Vienna
Accession Number
5987/5
About this artwork
Die feindlichen Gewalten: Der Gigant Typhoeus; seine Töchter, die drei Gorgonen; Krankheit, Wahnsinn und Tod; Wollust, Unkeuschheit und Unmäßigkeit. Sie bedrohen die Menschheit und führen zum Leid. Die schwebenden Genien sind aber dahinter erkennbar, sie werden von den Bedrohungen nicht berührt.
Art Historical Context
Gustav Klimt's *Beethovenfries: Die feindlichen Gewalten Tafel 1, Stirnwand* (1901/1902) is a striking panel from his monumental *Beethoven Frieze*, created for Vienna's 14th Secession Exhibition As a leader of the Vienna Secession movement, Klimt rebelled against academic art, embracing Symbolism and Art Nouveau with swirling forms, gold leaf, and mythological themes. This 215 x 314 cm painting, now in the Belvedere Collection, was originally part of a larger frieze inspired by Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, allegorizing humanity's struggle against adversity. The panel vividly portrays "hostile...
About the Artist
Gustav Klimt · 1862–1918
Austrian painter and designer. One of the most prominent members of the Vienna Secession movement, known for his decorative style and use of gold leaf.