THE BEETHOVEN FRIEZE
THE BEETHOVEN EXHIBITION 1902 SYNOPSIS CONTEMPORARY CRITICISM THE
HISTORY OF THE BEETHOVEN FRIEZE PUBLICATIONS
"Three important innovations can be observed in the Beethoven Frieze by Gustav
Klimt: the two-dimensional depiction and the monumental isolation of the human
figure, the expressive use of line and the dominating role of ornament. Klimt's
participation in the Beethoven experiment marks the beginning of his famous 'golden
period'. Today, the monumental allegory is seen as one of the key works in the
artist's development." *)
The theme of the frieze is based on Richard Wagner's interpretation of the 9th
Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven. The three painted walls, beginning at the left-hand
side wall, form a cohesive narrative and are described in the catalogue on the
exhibition from 1902 as follows:
Gustav Klimt, Beethoven Frieze: Floating Genii, Poetry
*) Marian Bisanz-Prakken, The Beethoven Frieze by Gustav Klimt and the Vienna
Secession
In: Gustav Klimt - Beethoven Frieze. Secession 2002
Available
in the Shop
For further information and photographic material please contact:
Urte Schmitt-Ulms
Secession, Association of Visual Artists Vienna Secession
Friedrichstraße 12, 1010 Vienna
Tel: +43-1-5875307-21, Fax: +43-1-5875307-34
presse@secession.at