Description of the painting by Gustav Klimt “Girlfriend”

Description of the painting by Gustav Klimt Girlfriend

Gustav Klimt painted the picture “Girlfriends” in 1916-1917. Unfortunately, the original of the painting did not reach us – it burned down in 1945. The author painted his work based on the complete contrast of the bodies of two girls, girlfriends – one of them is naked, the other on the contrary – wrapped in clothes. By name it is difficult to assume that two lesbians were painting their relationship.

The author specifically called his picture is streamlined – in this way it shows that girls are bound by something more than just the love of girlfriends. Klimt was one of the few who did not hesitate to declare this to the whole world. Similar statements were made by his colleague from France, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. It was Henri who knew the real meaning of this picture, about love, not just friends. Female figures do not have volume. Due to this, the girls merge with the background. The

picture also shows animals: chicken, as the personification of a woman of easy virtue.

The dragon in the picture personifies male sexuality. It is not known what exactly Klimt wanted to say in portraying flowers. It is possible that they represent the feminine. Using allegory, the artist shows the love of two feminine principles, slightly veiling them. “Girlfriends” frankly shows us the love of two girls, whom the artist captured in a very sensual pose, borrowing the background from traditional Chinese backgrounds. Klimt glorified romance not only in the traditional sense. The artist tried to depict any manifestation of love in his paintings, despite how this manifestation is perceived by society.

Using allegory, the artist shows the love of two feminine principles, slightly veiling them. “Girlfriends” frankly shows us the love of two girls, whom the artist captured in a very sensual pose, borrowing the background from traditional Chinese backgrounds. Klimt glorified romance not only in the traditional sense. The artist tried to depict any manifestation of love in his paintings, despite how this manifestation is perceived by society. Using allegory, the artist shows the love of two feminine principles, slightly veiling them.

“Girlfriends” frankly shows us the love of two girls, whom the artist captured in a very sensual pose, borrowing the background from traditional Chinese backgrounds. Klimt glorified romance not only in the traditional sense. The artist tried to depict any manifestation of love in his paintings, despite how this manifestation is perceived by society.


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Description of the painting by Gustav Klimt “Girlfriend”