Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Portrait of a Lady and Three Hand Studies" by Gustav Klimt is a fascinating composition that combines a detailed portrait with anatomical studies. The painting showcases a frontal portrait of a young woman with serene, thoughtful eyes and delicately rendered facial features. She gazes slightly to the left, evoking a sense of introspection and melancholy. Her hair is meticulously detailed, cascading in soft curls around her shoulders.

Surrounding the central portrait, Klimt includes three studies of hands sketched in a more spontaneous, almost unfinished manner. The hands exhibit different poses - one shows a relaxed, open palm; another depicts a hand in a gentle grasp; and the third displays fingers in a more dynamic, curved position. These studies are not merely technical exercises but contribute to the psychological depth of the portrait, offering insight into the emotional state and inner life of the subject.

The background is a soft, muted array of whites and earthy tones that serve to accentuate the delicate details of the lady’s face and hands. Klimt’s famous use of gold and ornamental patterns are notably absent here, highlighting the intimate and personal nature of this artwork.

Information about the Original Painting and the Artist:

- Location of the Original Painting: The original "Portrait of a Lady and Three Hand Studies" is currently housed in the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, Vienna, Austria. This museum holds a significant collection of Klimt's works.

- Artist Background:
- Gustav Klimt (1862-1918): Gustav Klimt was a prominent Austrian symbolist painter and one of the most renowned members of the Vienna Secession movement. Klimt's work is noted for its opulence, eroticism, and exploration of the human form. His early career focused more on architectural decorations, but he later transitioned into creating deeply personal and symbolically rich paintings.

- Artistic Significance:
- Period of Painting: This artwork was created around 1898, during a period when Klimt was exploring the depths of human emotion and psychological complexity. It falls within his "Golden Phase," characterized by detailed portraiture combined with intricate hand studies and backgrounds. This work, however, is more subdued compared to his later, more ornate pieces.
- Cultural and Historical Context: The fin-de-siècle period in Vienna was marked by an exploration of the unconscious mind, a theme reflected in Klimt’s emphasis on psychological depth. This painting fits into the broader context of his oeuvre by merging intense observation with a subtle, introspective quality.

- Noteworthy Details:
- Combination of Portrait and Studies: Klimt’s innovative merging of a formal portrait with hand studies demonstrates his deep interest in anatomical precision and the expressive potential of hands. The depiction of hands is significant in symbolist art as a means of communicating emotion and intention.
- Stylistic Elements: The muted palette and absence of gold leaf and ornamentation contrast sharply with Klimt’s later work, emphasizing his versatility and ability to capture raw human emotion without additional embellishments.

This painting captures a moment of quiet contemplation and insight, offering viewers a glimpse into the complex emotional landscape that Klimt so masterfully conveyed through his art. It stands as a testament to his skill in portraying the multifaceted nature of the human experience.