The artwork “Philosophy (final state)” is an allegorical painting by the illustrious artist Gustav Klimt, created between 1899 and 1907. This oil on canvas piece measured an impressive 430 x 300 cm and was a product of the Art Nouveau movement. Regrettably, the artwork has been destroyed and is no longer available for public viewing.
“Philosophy (final state)” exhibited Klimt’s signature blend of the figurative and the symbolic, characteristic of his contributions to Modern Art. The painting featured an ethereal collection of figures, interwoven in a dream-like composition. Ethereal female forms are discernible, flowing and merging with abstract patterns, draped amidst what appears to be astral or cosmic imagery. A spectral haze suffuses the scene, suggesting a realm beyond the terrestrial. Near the bottom of the artwork, a human face peeks out through these otherworldly figures, highlighting the theme of contemplation and the search for knowledge that aligns with the title, “Philosophy.” The artwork’s melancholic tone and the enigmatic portrayal of its subjects evoke a profound sense of introspection and the mystery of human existence.
