Water Serpents II (Wasserschlangen II) by Gustav Klimt

"Water Serpents II" by Gustav Klimt is an oil on canvas masterpiece that captures the essence of the Vienna Secession movement. Created between 1904 and 1907, this painting showcases Klimt's signature style during his golden period, characterized by intricate gold-leaf techniques. Commissioned by Jenny Steiner, daughter of a Viennese industrialist, it depicts nymphs entwined with a red serpent, symbolizing themes of mysticism and sensuality.

However, the painting's history took a dark turn during World War II when it was looted by the Nazis after the annexation of Austria in 1938. Jenny Steiner fled the country, leaving behind her prized possession. Subsequently, the artwork fell into the hands of Gustav Ucicky, an Austrian filmmaker with rumored ties to Klimt as one of his illegitimate children. Ucicky's involvement further complicates the painting's journey, intertwining it with the murky politics of the time.

Gustav Klimt, revered as a symbolist painter, left an indelible mark on the art world with his avant-garde approach and rich symbolism. "Water Serpents II" stands as a testament to his artistic vision and enduring legacy, despite the tumultuous events that surrounded its ownership. Today, it serves as a poignant reminder of both Klimt's brilliance and the turbulent history of 20th-century Europe.
Water Serpents II (Wasserschlangen II) by Gustav Klimt

Gustav Klimt – Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer 1

Gustav Klimt – Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer 1

This was sold by Maria Altmann, who – after a lengthy and complicated court battle – was deemed rightful owner of this Klimt and several others.

Altmann was named as an inheritor of the painting in the will of by the widowed husband of the model herself, despite the efforts of the Austrian State, as Adele Bloch-Bauer had originally left the painting to the State Gallery in her own will.

The painting was bought by Ronald Lauder for his Neue Galerie in New York, to be the centerpiece of a collection of Jewish-owned art rescued from the Nazi looting that took place in the Second World War.

In this greatest gold style paintings, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer 1, Klimt flattened the woman’s dress so that it shares the same picture plane as the background.

Then he blended them together by merging the decorative dress with an equally decorative background.

Yet the dress is still distinguishable from the background. Actually, the painting has two backgrounds: a flat wall, and a golden membrane or ornamental cocoon wrapped around Ms. Bloch-Bauer.

Sinuous lines, swirls, and large and tiny squares distinguish the membrane from the dress, which is comprised of silver arrowheads, and gold pyramids with eyes in them. The latter give the impression that the dress is watching us.

But the woman’s face, neckline, hands and forearms are classically modeled, so that she emerges from the background and her own flattened body as three dimensional woman.
Gustav Klimt – Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer 1