The artwork “Portrait of a Lady in White (unfinished)” is attributed to the artist Gustav Klimt and was created during the years 1917 to 1918. This piece is classified within the Symbolism art movement, a genre characterized by its use of symbolic imagery and mythological references to express ideas. The dimensions of this portrait are 70 x 70 cm. As the genre suggests, it is a portrait that is currently housed at the Belvedere in Vienna, Austria.
The artwork presents a lady dressed predominantly in white, with nuanced shades and textures creating a sense of incompleteness that characterizes the painting as unfinished. Klimt’s brushwork is evident in the loose, impressionistic style that defines the form and features of the subject. Her pose is somewhat in profile, yet her gaze does not engage directly with the viewer, contributing to the enigmatic quality of the composition. The background is notably darker, which isolates the subject and accentuates her luminous attire. The unfinished nature of this work leaves much to the observer’s imagination and interpretation, allowing for a contemplation of the subject’s character and the intended symbolism within the work. It is a fine example of Klimt’s later style, where he frequently encapsulated the female form with an aura of both mystery and elegance.
