Reclining Nude with Outstretched Left Arm
1903–1904
Medium
Graphite
Dimensions
Sheet: 13 7/8 × 21 1/2 in. (35.2 × 54.6 cm) Frame: 23 × 29 × 1 1/2 in. (58.4 × 73.7 × 3.8 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Scofield Thayer, 1982
Accession Number
1984.433.192
Tags
Art Historical Context
Gustav Klimt's *Reclining Nude Outstretched Left Arm*1903–1904) is a captivating graphite drawing that exemplifies the artist's intimate exploration of the female form during his mature period. As a founding member of the Vienna Sec, Klimt rebelled against academic traditions, embracing Symbolism and Art Nouveau with sensual, decorative motifs. Created amid his prolific output of erotic studies, this work likely served as a preparatory sketch, his fascination with the nude as a symbol of beauty, vitality, and psychological depth. Rendered in graphite on a generous sheet measuring 13 7/8 × 21 ...
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.