Pic Today 6/29/12

GUSTAV KLIMT:

VIENNA SECESSION ART MOVEMENT

In the late 19th century,

there was a powerful "secession" from European art,

led by a group of progressive artists in Vienna.

At the forefront was Gustav Klimt (1868-1918),

painter, sculptor, architect.

His art, style and design left an indelible imprint

on the direction of 20th century art and architecture.

The most notable center for this "break away" design

is the Secession, built in 1878, which attracted

Viennese artists and designers who stressed

purer geometric forms into designs.

The gold dome of the Secession Museum is

a "shrine of Klimt design and art",

and contains the famous unfinished Beethoven mural

and a collection of his erotic paintings.

Vienna celebrates the great works and design

of Gustav Klimt at the Belvedere and Secession museums

this year (honoring the 150th anniversary of his birth.)