{"id":79191,"date":"2025-01-12T14:54:03","date_gmt":"2025-01-12T13:54:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/?p=79191"},"modified":"2025-09-07T19:32:06","modified_gmt":"2025-09-07T18:32:06","slug":"klimt-pigment-pixel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/belvedere-sites\/klimt-pigment-pixel\/","title":{"rendered":"Klimt: Pigment and Pixel"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/klimtpigmentsmall.jpg\" alt=\"Pastell chalk stripes and crumbs\" class=\"wp-image-78552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/klimtpigmentsmall.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/klimtpigmentsmall-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Lower Belvedere peels back the layers of paint to reveal the methods behind Gustav Klimt&#8217;s art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Draws on new technical analysis to explore Klimt&#8217;s painting processes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Includes his legendary use of gold material<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also reconstructs the lost Faculty Paintings (don&#8217;t miss these)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gorgeous aesthetics &amp; intriguing insights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Runs Feb 20 &#8211; Sept 7, 2025<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See also:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/belvedere-sites\/lower-belvedere\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3384\">Lower Belvedere overview<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/events\/exhibitions\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"37363\">Art exhibitions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Method and magic<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/klimtpigment2.jpg\" alt=\"Painting exposed to infrared reflectography\" class=\"wp-image-78551\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/klimtpigment2.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/klimtpigment2-133x300.jpg 133w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Gustav Klimt, Water Serpents I, 1904 (minor additions in 1907), infrared reflectography; photo: Belvedere, Vienna)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Arthur C. Clarke&#8217;s third law states:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Frankly, great art seems the same. Created by some mystical process involving a dash of genius, a pinch of inspiration, and midnight sacrifices to the Gods of Paint and Light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, of course, method lies behind the magic, as numerous art courses will happily demonstrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Researchers have also applied various techniques to look deeper into paintings and draw out insights on the methods used by the great artists of history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Which brings us to the <em>Pigment &amp; Pixel<\/em> exhibition at Lower Belvedere. It presents eight original Klimt works alongside insights gained from scientific analysis of their composition (in both a material and artistic sense).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/klimtpigment5.jpg\" alt=\"View of portrait paintings\" class=\"wp-image-80553\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/klimtpigment5.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/klimtpigment5-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(See Klimt&#8217;s work in a different light; press photo by and \u00a9 Johannes Stoll \/ Belvedere, Vienna)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Techniques like infrared reflectography and x-ray imaging allow us to trace the artistic timeline from rough pencil sketches on the canvas through layers of paint to final alterations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So we can observe how Klimt&#8217;s creative process continued while he painted. For example, Amalie Zuckerkandl&#8217;s mouth changed in shape between the underlying drawing and the outcome portrayed in the actual (unfinished) work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The exhibition also looks at Klimt&#8217;s use of gold and other precious metals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gustav was not a man to take an inexpensive approach to artistic expression. He applied gold leaf, for example, to create his later iconic works like <em>Judith<\/em> (on display in the exhibition).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps the highlight of <em>Pigment &amp; Pixel<\/em>, though, is the use of AI and a collaboration with Google Arts &amp; Culture to recreate the colours of Klimt&#8217;s lost Faculty Paintings (without implying 100% accuracy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Three astonishing paintings should have found a home on a ceiling in the University of Vienna back around 1900.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"301\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/klimtpigment1.jpg\" alt=\"Painting recolourised from a photo\" class=\"wp-image-78550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/klimtpigment1.jpg 301w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/klimtpigment1-201x300.jpg 201w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 301px) 100vw, 301px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Gustav Klimt, Medicine (Faculty painting), 1901, recolourisation after historical photograph; Belvedere, Vienna \/ image by Google; graphic design: SCHIENERL D\/AD, Vienna)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, conservative elements among various parts of society decided Klimt&#8217;s approach erred on the risqu\u00e9 side of art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The uproar led to the decision not to use the commissioned works for their original purpose. An unimpressed Klimt cancelled the commission and paid back his fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These extraordinary works of art subsequently became another victim of Nazi theft and war: fire destroyed them toward the end of WWII. By coincidence, the MAK museum <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/klimt-immendorf\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"85114\">has an exhibition<\/a> on that disastrous event that runs until September 21st, 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Only black and white photos remain of the paintings, along with a single colour photo of one small element: the figure of Hygieia from the <em>Medicine<\/em> painting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Technology combined with Belvedere expertise and archived contemporary commentary has turned those photos into a colour rendering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We not only see the results in monumental full-scale reconstructions, but also a reproduction on the ceiling (and mirrored below) of how the paintings would have looked in situ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The impression is glorious: gifting us the power of time travel and a chance to further admire Klimt&#8217;s touch. (And leaving us to regret those reactionary elements who denied generations the chance to experience the same.)<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/klimtpigment4.jpg\" alt=\"Installation of Klimt's Faculty Paintings\" class=\"wp-image-80552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/klimtpigment4.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/klimtpigment4-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The installation showcasing the Faculty Paintings; press photo by and \u00a9 Johannes Stoll \/ Belvedere, Vienna)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But does all this analysis and technology chip away at the magic and mystery?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not really&#8230;for two reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, the aesthetics of the exhibition actually present a striking visual impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Second, the insights and images create a stronger appreciation for Klimt&#8217;s skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In particular, close-up views through the microscope almost accentuate the magic&#8230;revealing a complexity of dabs, dots, and strokes of different colours and depth that somehow merge to form works of genius.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One presented work does bring a touch of sadness, though. Analysis of Klimt&#8217;s 1898 <em>After the Rain<\/em> landscape shows two chickens in the meadow were painted over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The life of a chicken is rarely impactful. Yet there you are: poised to be immortalised by one of history&#8217;s greatest painters. And then&#8230;you&#8217;re not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tickets\">Dates, tickets &amp; tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Go behind the canvas (or at least beneath the paint) from February 20th to September 7th, 2025. A ticket for or from Lower Belvedere includes the exhibitions within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a bonus, the corridor outside the gallery has 1:1 reproductions of Klimt&#8217;s paintings of flowers and gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From mid-May to early autumn, the gardeners of the \u00d6sterreichische Bundesg\u00e4rten apply their artistic magic to bring those same flowers to life in their own botanical reconstruction in the adjoining <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/belvedere-sites\/kammergarten-privy-garden\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3333\">Kammergarten<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For some of the same period, wander up to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/belvedere-sites\/upper-belvedere-palace\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3521\">Upper Belvedere<\/a> for another Klimt treat: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/belvedere-sites\/klimt-bride\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"79522\">an exhibition<\/a> around his unfinished work <em>The Bride<\/em> (until October 5th, 2025). Even if the latter is back in storage, the upper palace also has the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/belvedere-sites\/gustav-klimt-belvedere\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3544\">permanent exhibition<\/a> with Klimt&#8217;s <em>The Kiss<\/em> and other works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more Klimt in Vienna, try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/footsteps\/gustav-klimt\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2264\">this location guide<\/a>. A top tip is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/leopold-museum\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4014\">Leopold Museum<\/a>, for example, which also houses paintings by Austria&#8217;s most famous artist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to the Klimts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lower Belvedere is within walking distance of the centre or jump on the 71 tram (to Unteres Belvedere) or D tram (to Gu\u00dfhausstra\u00dfe). For more options and details, check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/belvedere-sites\/gettingthere3\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3402\">Belvedere directions article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once inside, go through the west wing to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/belvedere-sites\/orangery\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3631\">Orangerie<\/a> for the exhibition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Address: Rennweg 6, 1030 Vienna<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=1ksawXWFMVD9bljA48Gi7_VvWSfI\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lower Belvedere peels back the layers of paint to reveal the methods behind Gustav Klimt&#8217;s art<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":78552,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[51],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-79191","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-belvedere-sites","8":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79191","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=79191"}],"version-history":[{"count":36,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79191\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85644,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79191\/revisions\/85644"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/78552"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=79191"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=79191"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=79191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}