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

"The Virgin," also known as "Die Jungfrau," is a stunning oil painting by Gustav Klimt created in 1913. This large-scale artwork, measuring approximately 190 cm x 200 cm, is an effervescent composition rich with symbolism, decorative flourishes, and evocative imagery.

The painting features a central figure of a young woman, presumably the Virgin, reclining in a surreal dreamscape surrounded by six other female figures. The Virgin is depicted in a semi-foetal position, suggesting innocence and purity but also a sense of awakening and coming into being. The painting’s opulence is heightened by Klimt’s characteristic use of vibrant colors—deep reds, purples, and blues intermingle with sumptuous golds and rich patterns reminiscent of Byzantine mosaics.

Klimt’s iconic style is evident through the elaborate ornamentation and detailing. The women's dresses are adorned with intricate designs, including floral patterns, spirals, and other organic forms. The scene emanates a sense of fluidity and motion, emphasized by the swirling lines and curves that weave through the composition, binding the figures together in a harmonious unity.

The Virgin's face is serene and contemplative, with a dreamlike expression that conveys a sense of introspection and mystery. The other figures, also depicted with ethereal expressions, seem to evoke different stages of womanhood, encapsulated within a fantastical, almost chimerical environment. The ensemble creates an entrancing visual narrative that invites the viewer to explore themes of femininity, innocence, and transformation.

Information about the Original Painting and the Artist

Current Location:
The original painting "The Virgin" by Gustav Klimt is housed in the Národní Galerie (National Gallery) in Prague, Czech Republic.

Gustav Klimt and His Career:
Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) was a leading figure in the Viennese Secession movement and is renowned for his distinct and opulent style. His career spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during which he created numerous works that deviated from traditional artistic norms and embraced modernism and symbolism.

Klimt’s oeuvre is marked by a fascination with the female form, eroticism, and the interplay between reality and fantasy. He is perhaps best known for his "Golden Phase," during which he produced masterpieces such as "The Kiss" (1907-1908) and "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I" (1907). "The Virgin" fits into the later part of his career, where he continued to explore similar themes but with a more nuanced approach to color and composition.

Noteworthy Details:
- Symbolism and Themes: "The Virgin" is rich with symbolic meaning, often interpreted as an exploration of feminine purity, fertility, and the transition from innocence to experience.
- Technique and Style: The painting showcases Klimt’s signature use of gold leaf and intricate patterns. His technique creates a textural depth that enhances the viewer's visual and emotional engagement with the artwork.
- Influence and Legacy: Klimt’s work, including "The Virgin," has left an indelible impact on the trajectory of modern art. His synthesis of Symbolism, Art Nouveau, and a personal ornamental lexicon continue to influence contemporary artists and captivate audiences worldwide.

In "The Virgin," Klimt has masterfully woven a tapestry of dreamlike beauty and complexity that transcends mere visual enjoyment to offer profound reflections on the nature of womanhood and human experience.