Stefanie Penck

Alfred Weidinger

Up until today, Gustav Klimt has been labelled variously: revolutionary and modernist pioneer, compulsive pornographer, ladies’ man, enfant terrible for the conservative educated middle-class, and overrated painter of golden kitsch. For a number of years he has also been a significant protagonist in the contest for the most expensive paintings of all time.Today, almost 200 years after his death, it is difficult to decide between these various labels. In this first volume of the new series EDITION BELVEDERE, authors sketch a portrait of this unique artist, based on his works, letters, comments by his contemporaries, and a wealth of photos from the Klimt archive, some of which have never been shown before. Accompany the authors on this fascinatingly told life story!

Life and Work

Gustav Klimt

Tour two of the world's most artistic cities through the creations of one of the greatest artists. Evidence of Michelangelo's genius is scattered throughout Italy, especially in the historic cities of Rome and Florence. This illustrated "tour" of Michelangelo's works in Rome and Florence; takes readers through St. Peters in Rome, home to his magnificent Pieta carved out of white marble, the striking cupola of the basilica, and the tomb of Pope Julius II, which was never completed. It offers exquisite views of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and the statue of the Redeemer in the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. In Florence, the book explores, Michelangelo's masterpiece David and the Medici Tombs, among others. The informative text, accompanied by fifty colour and black-and-white illustrations, will captivate aficionados of Michelangelo as well as fans of the cities of Rome and Florence.

Michelangelo

“Again my eager mouth seeks to encounter Your lips that bless me with their kisses I wish to hold your dear fingers And enlace them playfully in mine.”These verses (LOVE) by Hermann Hesse could have been written for Gustav Klimt’s undoubtedly most famous painting of lovers (The Kiss), Alfred Weidinger refers to it as a “monumental icon”, which is known worldwide and entices thousands of visitors to the Belvedere in Vienna every year. While the golden background represents the divine on Russian icons, this image painted on a golden background and decorated with gold leaf is an ode to love.The authors present, from the point of view of the latest research, all the essential aspects of the creation, significance, and history of this popular work of art, as well as interesting and entertaining facts about the painter and the role of women in the artist’s life and paintings. A visual feast and enjoyable reading experience for all enthusiasts of the Viennese Art Nouveau and its greatest master

Stefanie Penck

Books

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