Beethovenfries: Die Leiden der schwachen Menschheit und Der wohlgerüstete Starke - Tafel 3, linke Langwand
1901/1902
Medium
Kaseinfarben, Stuckauflagen, Zeichenstift, Applikationen aus verschiedenen Materialien (Glas, Perlmutt etc.), Goldauflagen auf Mörtel
Dimensions
215 x 276 cm
Classification
Wandbild
Department
Belvedere Collection
Museum
Belvedere
Credit
Belvedere, Vienna
Accession Number
5987/3
About this artwork
Die Leiden der schwachen Menschheit richten ihre Bitten an den wohlgerüsteten Starken, der als Ritter in goldener Rüstung dargestellt ist. Hinter ihm befinden sich die Personifikationen von Mitleid und Ehrgeiz.
Art Historical Context
Gustav Klimt created this striking mural panel in 1901–1902 as part of his celebrated Beethoven Frieze, a monumental work originally designed for the Vienna Secession’s fourteenth exhibition. The frieze served as a visual tribute to Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, transforming its themes of struggle and redemption into a richly symbolic narrative. Klimt, a leading figure of the Vienna Secession movement, blended Symbolist ideas with his distinctive decorative style to explore humanity’s quest for fulfillment. In this section, the sufferings of weak humanity reach out in desperate plea ...
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.