Print of Gustav Klimt - Beethoven Frieze. The hostile forces, far wall - 1902
Gustav Klimt - Beethoven Frieze. Hostile Forces, far wall
Year: 1902 - Casein, enamels and plaster on ribbed wooden panels. Fragments of mirror, buttons, upholstery nails, pieces of colored glass and gilding.
Preserved at: Secession Building, Vienna, Austria.
Gustav Klimt's "Beethoven Frieze" is divided into a rhythmic sequence of episodes: the individual's long journey in search of happiness, between forces of good and evil, inspired by Schopenhauer's philosophy. Thus Klimt described "hostile forces". The giant Tifeo, against whom even the gods fought in vain; his daughters, the three Gòrgoni: sickness, madness, death. Will and lust, excess. The anguish that gnaws. Above the affections and desires of men who fly away.