Sunflower – Works – Sammlung Online

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The image depicts a large sunflower positioned at the upper part of the artwork. Below the sunflower, several green leaves are arranged in a vertical pattern. At the bottom of the image, various flowers are depicted, appearing in different arrangements and shapes. The overall composition feels lush and vibrant, featuring a variety of floral elements.

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Belvedere, Oberes Belvedere, 1. Obergeschoß (Ost), Raum NO3
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Sunflower
Date1907/1908

Künstler*in Gustav Klimt (1862 Wien – 1918 Wien)

ULAN

Object typeGemälde
MediumOil and gold leaf on canvas
Dimensions
110 x 110 cm
SignatureSign. rechts unten: GUSTAV / KLIMT
Inventory number10500
Locations Belvedere, Upper Belvedere, 1. Floor (east), Room NO3
Credit Line2012 Legat Peter Parzer, Wien
Gustav Klimt shows a single, majestic sunflower in the middle of this square composition that is entirely covered by a green hedge resembling a patterned tapestry. The head of the sunflower inclines slightly, while its leaves seem to protectively curl over the dense array of bright summer flowers at its base. Time and again Klimt’s sunflower has been seen to have human characteristics, its form reminiscent of the medieval Virgin of Mercy sheltering figures under her cloak. The famous art critic from the Vienna Secession Ludwig Hevesi described it as a “fairy in love.” Others have even seen the sunflower as a hidden portrait of the designer Emilie Flöge.

Provenance
Exhibitions

Bis 1912 Karl Wittgenstein.
Paul Wittgenstein (?).
1916–1938 Heinrich Mayer, Wien.
1938 Richard Parzer, Wien
2012 Legat Peter Parzer, Wien

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Exhibitions of the Belvedere