The artwork titled “Girl with hat and cape in profile” is a portrait created by Gustav Klimt in 1898. It exemplifies the Symbolism art movement that Klimt was associated with during that period. As a genre, the artwork falls under portraiture, focusing on capturing the essence and appearance of an individual.
In the artwork, a female figure is depicted in profile, giving the spectator a side view of her countenance. The artist has skillfully rendered the subject with an emphasis on soft features and a downward gaze that conveys a contemplative or introspective mood, which is quite typical of the Symbolist approach to portraying subjects. The hat and cape are distinguishing elements of the subject’s attire, adding an air of elegance and mystique. Klimt’s use of shading and texture creates a dynamic contrast between the darkness of the hat and cape and the lighter tones of the subject’s face, which further draws attention to her serene expression. Shadow and light play a significant role in this piece, creating both depth and an atmosphere that resonates with the emotional overture common to Symbolist artwork.
