Gleaming gold, sparkling gemstones, opalescent mother of pearl: Gustav Klimt’s paintings resemble precious jewels. Person or landscape, his brush transformed all his subjects into exquisite treasures. Today, more than a century later, these pictures are as beautiful and captivating as the day they were finished. Klimt is one of the very few greats of art history to create his own unique and unmistakable aesthetic cosmos. At the same time, his work is varied and multifaceted, reflecting a constant quest for artistic renewal and progress. This book presents Klimt’s life and work within the fascinating context of Vienna 1900 and examines the most important aspects of his art.