Friday, March 30, 2012

Venice: Correr Museum - Gustav Klimt in the Sign of Hoffmann and the Secession



Correr Museum: Gustav Klimt in the Sign of Hoffmann and the Secession exhibition. A century after his acclaimed participation in the Venice Biennale (1910), Gustav Klimt returns to the lagoon as the protagonist of a remarkable exhibition in the rooms of the Correr Museum, until July 8. It is the perfect occasion to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the artist’s birth (1862-2012). Gustav Klimt in the Sign of Hoffmann and the Secession was curated by Alfred Weidinger and features an exceptional series of paintings, rare and precious drawings, furniture and elegant jewelry, but also elaborate reconstructions and interesting historical documents. The aim is to introduce the visitor to the genesis and evolution, in both architecture and painting, of Klimt’s work and that of the other protagonists of the Viennese Secession. The movement was one of the highest peaks in European Modernism and counted among its key players such artists as George Minne, Jan Toorop, Fernand Khnopff, Koloman Moser, and above all Klimt’s companion on many intellectual ventures and projects, Josef Hoffmann.
Above: Gustav Klimt: Salome (Judith II), 1909 – oil on canvas.

Gustav Klimt in the Sign of Hoffmann and the Secession exhibition. Probably the focal point of the exhibition Gustav Klimt’s spectacular Beethoven Frieze triptych, 1901-02.

Gustav Klimt in the Sign of Hoffmann and the Secession exhibition. Model of the Kunstschau exhibition hall designed  by Josef Hoffmann, 1908-09. Execution: modellwerkstatt Gerhard Stocker, 2008 - Maple wood, scale 1:50.
 
Gustav Klimt in the Sign of Hoffmann and the Secession exhibition.  Josef Hoffmann designed brooch, 1905, Model G 368 – execution: Wiener Werkstatte/Karl Ponocny – silver, coral, lapis lazuli, malachite, moonstone.

Gustav Klimt in the Sign of Hoffmann and the Secession exhibition. Gustav Klimt: Portrait of Marie Henneberg, 1901-02 - oil on canvas.

Gustav Klimt in the Sign of Hoffmann and the Secession exhibition.  Josef Hoffmann: table and a pair of chairs from the boudoir of Hermine Gallia (whose portrait, by Gustav Klimt is in the background) c. 1912n- lacquered and gilded wood, brass, other material.
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