The artwork titled “Portrait of Emilie Flöge” is a work by Gustav Klimt, created circa 1893. This portrait is executed in oil on cardboard, measuring 41 by 24 centimeters. Epitomizing the Symbolist art movement of the late 19th century, this piece is a prime example of Klimt’s early portraiture style. Currently, the artwork is housed in the prestigious collection of the Albertina, Vienna, Austria.
The portrait depicts Emilie Flöge, a prominent figure in Klimt’s life, rendered with delicate realism. The subject stands in a confident yet relaxed pose against a softly rendered garden background, suggesting a serene atmosphere. The garden, with its foliage and flowering plants, adds a rich texture and a sense of life behind the figure. Flöge is dressed in an ornate green dress adorned with floral motifs that echo the garden’s natural elements. This attention to the intricate details of her attire showcases Klimt’s keen sense for ornamental design, which prefigures his later works where pattern and decoration take a more central role. The artwork captures the essence of the Symbolist movement’s interest in exploring deeper meanings and emotional undercurrents rather than direct representations, hinting at a deeper connection between the figure and her surroundings.
