The artwork entitled “Fable” was crafted by the artist Gustav Klimt in the year 1883. This allegorical painting was rendered using oil on canvas and measures 84.5 x 117 cm. Stylistically, the piece is associated with the Neoclassicism movement. Presently, it resides within the collection of the Vienna Museum in Vienna, Austria.
“Fable” presents a classical composition executed with finesse typical of Neoclassical works. At the center of the piece is a standing nude female figure, likely an embodiment of an allegorical or mythological concept. She delicately holds a piece of fabric, draping it partially around her body, and she gazes directly out of the canvas, her expression serene and enigmatic. Surrounding the central figure is an assembly of animals, including a languid lion to the left and various birds; herons, swans, or storks are visible to her right, while a small, possibly whimsical creature resembling a fox rests beside the birds. The animals exhibit a peaceful coexistence, suggesting an idyllic or symbolically charged narrative.
The environment is forested, rich with dark, earthy tones and patches of verdant foliage, lending the scene an atmosphere both secluded and intimate. Light seems to cascade gently from the upper right, illuminating the central figure and some of the animals, creating a focal point that draws the viewer’s gaze. The interplay of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures and the depth of the surrounding space.
Klimt’s proficiency is evident in his treatment of the human form and the textural details of the natural elements, suggesting early indications of the artist’s technical skill and thematic interests that would further develop throughout his career. This artwork exemplifies a moment in Klimt’s oeuvre before he fully embraced the Symbolist and Art Nouveau styles for which he is most renowned.
