GUSTAV KLIMT'S 'WOMAN WITH FAN' (1917): A LATE ART NOUVEAU MASTERPIECE

Dec 30, 2023

2 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

Gustav Klimt, Woman with Fan (1917), oil on canvas

Gustav Klimt's Lady with a Fan (1917-1918) is one of his last portraits, painted in the final year of his life. It shows a woman in a patterned robe against a background of East Asian-style ornament, and it sold at Sotheby's in London in 2023 for around 85 million pounds, a European auction record.

Why did the 2023 sale make headlines?

The painting had been in private hands, and when it appeared at Sotheby's in London in June 2023 it set a record for a European auction, with the price quoted at around 85 million pounds. The sale drew new attention to Klimt's late work, which is less often seen than The Kiss.

What makes it a late Klimt?

Klimt died on 6 February 1918, so this portrait is among his last works. The sitter's face is delicate while the background bursts with colour, flowers and motifs inspired by Chinese and Japanese art. It shows how far he had moved from gold leaf toward vibrant colour.

Zocine Art Design is an independent studio that prints classic paintings as wall art. See this print at the Zocine Art Design shop on Etsy.

Gustav Klimt's "Woman with Fan" (1917) is an exquisite representation of his late Art Nouveau style. The painting showcases Klimt's unique approach to female portraiture, blending ornate patterns and vibrant colors. This piece highlights the artist's continued exploration of femininity and decorative beauty in the later stages of his career. For more information on this artwork, please visit the listing here.