The artwork titled “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II” was created by the illustrious artist Gustav Klimt in 1912. It is a work completed in oil on canvas, measuring 190 by 120 centimeters. Exemplifying the Art Nouveau movement, specifically its modern branch, the painting is a portrait and, as of the last known information, it resides within a private collection.
The artwork presents a full-length portrait of the eponymous Adele Bloch-Bauer, set against an extravagantly decorative background that is a hallmark of Klimt’s style. Adele is depicted standing, commanding attention with a direct but somewhat reserved gaze towards the viewer. She is adorned in elaborate clothing that captures the textural intricacies and ornamental motifs characteristic of Klimt’s work. Her dress is rendered with meticulous attention to the interplay of patterns and colors, including the subtle shimmer suggestive of luxurious fabrics.
A large, wide-brimmed black hat sits atop her head, framing her face and contributing to the sense of elegance and style that the subject exudes. The portrait is suffused with a rich palette, featuring swathes of vibrant hues that create a dynamic and yet harmonious composition. Various abstracted and stylized floral elements are integrated throughout the backdrop, which, along with other organic shapes and graphic decorations, form a tapestry-like setting behind the figure.
The background of the artwork is divided into colorful segments flush with decorative motifs and perhaps symbolic content. The composition, while anchored in realism through the representation of Adele Bloch-Bauer herself, exhibits the artist’s signature blend of symbolism and modernity. It is an artwork that not only captures the likeness of the sitter but also embodies the aesthetic innovations and explorations of its time, contributing to Klimt’s enduring legacy in the history of art.
