Vienna’s Golden Boy: Gustav Klimt

Gustav Klimt embodied the aesthetic preoccupations of turn-of-the-century Vienna's dazzling intellectual world. Although widely regarded as the greatest talent of the Viennese avant-garde, Klimt remained a lightning rod for controversy, with his work occasionally hidden behind screens due to its scandalous nature. As a co-founder of the Vienna Secession, he redefined both private and public spaces with shimmering abstract patterns and a revolutionary approach to decoration. In this course, we explore Klimt’s transition from a classical decorator to a modern visionary. We highlight his keen understanding of the symbolic nature of mythical and allegorical figures, alongside his deep fascination with ancient cultures. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to the video for 30 days.