The Life and Work of Gustav Klimt

Gustav Klimt, who lived from 1862 to 1918, was a Vienna native. He lived most of his early life in poverty, and dropped out of school at the age of 14. He enrolled in the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts, and his life started to change. Klimt developed a unique style and started to receive commissions from wealthy patrons. Klimt, like many artists, was fascinated by the female form, and the symbolism of both mythology and history. He was one of the founders of the Vienna Secession movement which sponsored an exhibition of work by young and non-mainstream artists. It ultimately became the preeminent artists’ association in Vienna and was responsible for most of the large exhibitions of the time. Klimt also was commissioned to create several murals for the University of Vienna. The works he completed were "Philosophy," "Medicine" and "Jurisprudence" and were considered incredibly controversial due to their sexualized content. In celebration of the life and work of Beethoven, Klimt painted the "Beethoven Frieze," which was the central work in the 14th exhibition of the Association of Fine Artists of Austria Secession. The "Beethoven Frieze" personifies Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and gives special attention to the "Ode to Joy."

In order to familiarize students with Klimt's work, you can conduct an in-depth analysis of parts of his "Beethoven Frieze" (there are portions that you may not want students to see), and Beethoven's ninth symphony. Familiarize students with the melody and rhythm of the symphony by listening to the piece several times. Provide students with a palette similar to that which Klimt used in his famous painting (be sure to provide plenty of gold) and allow them to paint their own interpretation of the famous symphony.

Students should examine the similarities between Klimt’s elaborate, intricate patterns and millefiori beads which are similar. Students should have the opportunity to create similar patterns using polymer clay. Then, have students make necklaces, beads, sculptures or plates using their polymer designs. What follows are more ways to help students understand the life and art of Gustav Klimt.

Gustav Klimt Lesson Plans:

Art Noveau

Students develop an understanding and appreciation of Art Nouveau, a movement in which Klimt was quite active. Using gold scratchboards and images from magazines, students create a work on paper that is reminiscent of Klimt’s paintings "The Kiss," "The Stoclet Frieze," "Pallas Athene," and "The Beethoven Frieze."

Gustav Klimt and Nature Depictions

Since much of Klimt’s work focuses on the female form, teachers wanting to explore his other works with students can take the opportunity to concentrate on Klimt’s depiction of nature. Some of his works that are especially relevant is Klimt’s study of forests in "Beech Woods, Bauergarten" and "Apple Trees." Another possible focus is Klimt’s depiction of scenery such as "Houses in Unterach on Lake Atter," "Schloss Kammer am Attersee II," and "Landhaus am Attersee."

Kite Noveau

Working on acetate, students create a kite and decorate it with colors, patterns and shapes reminiscent of the work of Gustav Klimt. If materials and space do not permit for the construction of kites, the activity can be amended to produce Art Nouveau sun catchers.

Gustav Klimt

Inspired by Klimt’s works "Expectation, The Kiss, The Maiden" and similar works, student draw the textures and forms associated with someone sleeping under a quilt. The lesson may also be adapted so that students can create a square in the style of Klimt for an actual quilt or a paper quilt.