The artwork titled “Girl with Long Hair, with a sketch for ‘Nude Veritas’” was created by the esteemed artist Gustav Klimt between 1898 and 1899, during a period associated with the Symbolism art movement. Executed using pastel on paper as the medium, the piece measures 55.56 by 37.47 centimeters and is classified as a portrait. Although the work belongs to a private collection and is not on public display, its legacy is preserved through studies and reproductions that reflect Klimt’s distinctive style and thematic preoccupation with beauty, truth, and the human psyche.
The artwork features a portrait of a figure depicted in profile, her long, dark hair flowing down with intricate coloration suggesting depth and texture. The overall composition is rather delicate, with ethereal qualities that typify Klimt’s approach to portraiture. The subtle rendering of the figure’s facial features gives a sense of introspection and accentuates a dreamy atmosphere. An adjacent sketch, possibly indicating an early study for “Nude Veritas” or another concept, adds an element of temporal narrative to the piece, offering insight into Klimt’s process and development of ideas. The signature of Gustav Klimt is discernable, attesting to the authenticity of the work and the artist’s direct involvement in its creation.
