Woman in Gold at the Neue Galerie

klimt's woman in gold -adele bloch bauer 1-1907

Yesterday’s opening of the film Woman in Gold brings to international attention the amazing story of Maria Altmann and her fight to reclaim five of her aunt’s Gustav Klimt paintings from the Austrian Government. While I have not yet seen the film, starring Helen Mirren as Ms. Altmann, I did visit the Neue Galerie for the press preview of their exhibit, “Gustav Klimt and Adele Bloch-Bauer: The Woman in Gold.”

klimt's woman in gold -adele bloch bauer 1-1907Including not only the subject of the movie and one of the museum’s prize possessions, Adele Bloch-Bauer I (otherwise known as Woman in Gold) above, the exhibit speaks to the close relationship between the artist and one of his most loyal patrons, below. Paintings, drawings, photographs, decorative arts and a detailed timeline help to narrate the complex story.

Adele Bloch-BauerAdele Bloch-Bauer was a woman ahead of her time. The hostess of a renowned Salon, she was intellectual, curious and daring. Fin-de-siecle Vienna was a time of a burgeoning avant-garde – a time of great creativity in a city of wealth and power, where new attitudes and arts were brewing beneath a veneer of strict structure and propriety. She was an ideal subject to immortalize.

Detail of Klimt's Woman in GoldThe marriage of Adele Bauer and Ferdinand Bloch in 1899 brought together two of Vienna’s most prominent Jewish families and during their marriage they amassed one of the city’s greatest art collections including an impressive group of Klimt’s work. The famous 1907 portrait, commissioned by Ferdinand, took four years to complete and is a large piece of staggering beauty. Details include Adele’s initials above and the small patterning and lavish layering of gold, reflected the artist’s interest in Byzantine mosaics he saw in a trip to the sixth-century Church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. The protective and erotic evil eyes are perhaps a sign of “affection” for his subject.

Gustave Klimt Woman in Gold, Adele Bloch-Bauer 1 In 1918, Klimt died from a stroke at only 55 and ironically, Adele died suddenly only seven years later of meningitis at the young age of 43. She had requested in her will for her husband to leave, after his death, her two portraits and four landscapes by Klimt to the Austrian Gallery in Vienna. In 1938, following the Anschluss (the annexation of Austria by the Nazis), Ferdinand fled to Switzerland where he remained for the rest of his life. The Nazis seized his entire estate including the Klimts and the famous portrait which was renamed Woman in Gold to avoid any Jewish ties. When Ferdinand died, in 1945, with no children of his own, he revised his will, leaving his estate to his nieces, Luise and Maria and nephew Robert.

Woman in GoldMore than 50 years would pass before Maria Altmann, now an American citizen residing in California, would request the return of the Bloch-Bauer Klimt paintings in 1998.  Without going into all the legalese and antiquated Austrian laws, suffice it to say it was a long and complicated battle. But finally in 2006, with the help of devoted lawyer Arnold Schoenberg, the paintings were returned and the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I was acquired by the Neue Galerie where it now resides. Below, Museum Director Renée Price, Maria Altmann and founder Ronald S. Lauder that year.

Maria Altmann at Neue Galerie after Woman in Gold acquisition

In 2011 Maria Altmann died at the age of 94. It is a fitting tribute to her life and legacy that this exhibit celebrates both her heroic battle and her aunt’s legendary patronage and relationship with her portraitist.

Neue GalerieI urge you to pay a visit to the beautiful Neue Galerie, above, where you can bask in the glow of this exquisite golden masterpiece. And of course, while you are there, don’t forget to stop at the irresistible gift shop where you can find such treats as the charming Toile de Vienne placemats, below, an exclusive pattern designed by artist Sara Nesbitt for the shop.

Toile de Vienne placemats at the Neue Galerie

14 thoughts on “Woman in Gold at the Neue Galerie

  1. Thank you for the background and insights, Knowing these details will enhance appreciation of both the movie and Neue Gallery visit – including what I anticipate to be a successful trip to gift shop: the placemats are absolutely charming!

  2. Just visited this wonderful museum it is glorious. Also had a fabulous lunch in their dining room.

  3. Klimt achieved what most artists dream of: creating a unique aesthetic that reflects his vision. Magnificent art! Thank you for the intriguing back story!

  4. Stacey, this exhibit must be so thrilling to see! Klimt, next to Sargent is one of my favorite artists of all time. How truly stunning and the story behind these ( and many other) works of art seized by the Nazi’s is heart wrenching. Fabulous to see when the art is returned to the rightful owners.

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena
    Ellipsis: Dual Vision

  5. I saw this painting while it was here in Los Angeles. I still remember my first glimpse of it–I was breathless. These Klimt paintings deserve to be shown in all of their glory. Thank you for the history of one of the 20th/21st centuries greattest quests. Happy Easter. Mary

  6. Incredible story! What determination. I had heard a little about it….but your post is the first time I’ve read anything on it. Thank you for sharing the history and the paintings. Can’t wait to see Helen Mirren in the movie!

  7. As Mary mentions above, seeing a Klimt in person is truly another experience altogether. At my first visit in Vienna, I worried the guard because I stood in front of each one for so long! This is am amazing story and certainly one that many of us would never have heard of if it weren’t for your post. Thank you so much, as always, for all that you do!

  8. Saw the movie last Friday…wonderful production, acting, lighting, music. Perfect movie experience!!
    Thank you for shedding more light into a fascinating, real life story.
    Happy Easter!!

  9. Just saw this movie tonight. Amazing story!! Just FYI, the lawyer’s name is Randol Schoenberg. Arnold was his grandfather (famous composer).

  10. Just have a question…so loved this movie…I am an artist and have lived in Europe for many years of my life…I wonder what happened to her husband the opera singer?

    • Fredrick came with her to America and worked for aerospace company Lockheed Martin in California. He died in 1994

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