Study of Rose von Rosthorn

1900/01
Charcoal on paper

Verso: Estate Stamp Gustav Klimt
Prov: Collection of Dr. Rudolph Leopold, Vienna
Lit: Alice Strobl – Catalogue Raisonne, No. 507
Otto Breicha – Gustav Klimt – Bilder und Zeichnungen der Sammlung Leopold, p. 64

Portraiture occupied an important place within Gustav Klimt’s oeuvre. This drawing was executed at the turn of the century as a preparatory drawing to the portrait of Rose von Rosthorn. It remained in Klimt’s possession until his death in 1918.
Gustav Klimt was one of the founders of the Vienna Secession in 1898. As its first president, Klimt was one of the most progressive painters in Vienna influencing younger artists such as Schiele and Kokoschka.

In the spirit of Art Nouveau, the viewer’s eye is led along the flowing lines which define the well centered and balanced figure, experiencing a larger rhythmical whole