Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) lived and painted in Austria. He was a symbolist who tried to capture large life themes with small patterns. His crowded compositions are lush, ornate and familiar feasts for the eye. Klimt pushed the boundaries of the art of his time and applauded other artists who did the same. He was a founding member of the Vienna Secession, a group who promoted and allowed exhibition space for unconventional artists. It is difficult to imagine the gratitude of these emerging artists for this opportunity.

The Trees of Life are three mosaics installed in Stoclet Palace, a mansion in Brussels, Belgium. These were based on the painted studies by Klimt, vibrant and varied. The eye moves almost frantically around and through the shapes and colors of these dense works as a credit to this artist’s genius. The jubilance of symbols includes by contrast the black bird, here central and representing death.

Gustav Klimt, an artist and promoter of artists, had a stroke and died of complications from pneumonia contracted in the hospital as he convalesced. He was 56. He led the way for many into the extravagance and abundance of life and creation. Whether Klimt believed this or not, he seems to proclaim in his rich works that God is the greatest artist of all.

In gratitude, faith and hope,