Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Virgin, The

Gustav Klimt, 1913

Name Class Date
Gustav Klimt, Virgin, The (1913). Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Gustav Klimt topimpressionists.com/en/artists/gustav-klimt/
Artist’s dates
1862 – 1918
Painted
1913
Medium
Oil On Canvas
Movement
Art Nouveau Flowing, plant-like curves running through everything from paintings to lamps and doorways.
Period
Modern
Influences
Art Nouveau
Notable elements
Intimate scene, necklaces, clock, vase, vibrant colors, swirling patterns
Style
Symbolism, Art Nouveau
Subject
Three women in bed

Copyright This work is in the public domain. Gustav Klimt died in 1918; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1988.

Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Oct. 3, 2026

Virgin, The — Gustav Klimt Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Virgin, The — Gustav Klimt

When was this painted?

  1. 1860
  2. 1870
  3. 1880
  4. 1890
  5. 1900
  6. 1910

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 56 at death.

Painted when the artist was 51. The artist lived to 56. 344 of the 434 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Gustav Klimt (1862–1918) ▲ this work, 1913 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1899 Main working years: 1899–1911 Late works: from 1911

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/gustav-klimt-virgin-the-6E3TCW-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Sea Green #375a7f

    Catalogued palette

    • #375A7F
    • #C2D4C8
    • #161711
    • #A1753C

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Sea Green
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Statement How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Discordant Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Balanced How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Balanced Soft How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Gustav Klimt over the last twelve months — 96 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 27.3%
    2. 2 Italy 14.6%
    3. 3 Spain 5.4%
    4. 4 Russia 5.2%
    5. 5 France 4.2%
    6. 6 United States of America 4.1%
    7. 7 Hong Kong 3.4%
    8. 8 Singapore 3.2%
    9. 9 Brazil 2.6%
    10. 10 Greece 2.5%
    11. · 86 other countries 27.5%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Gustav Klimt

    1. 1 The kiss 17.7%
    2. 2 The Tree of Life, 1909 8.2%
    3. 3 Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, 1907 4.7%
    4. 4 Judith, 1901 2.5%
    5. 5 Danae, 1908 2.1%
    6. 6 Allegory of 'Sculpture', 1889 2.0%
    7. 7 Bildnis Fritza Riedler, 1906 - Österreichische Galerie, Vienna 1.8%
    8. 8 Water Serpents II (Bewegtes Wasser sfondo) 1.8%
    9. 9 Beethoven Frieze; The Arts, Choir of Angels, Embracing Couple 1.6%
    10. 10 Hope II, 1908 1.6%
    11. 11 Poppy Field, 1907 1.6%
    12. 12 Farm Garden with Crucifix, 1911 1.5%
    13. 13 Naked Girl Standing, with Right Hand to Breast, 1906 1.3%
    14. 14 Death and Life, 1908 1.1%
    15. 15 Music I, 1895 1.1%
    16. 16 Ode To Klimt 1.1%
    17. 17 The Tree of Life, Stoclet Frieze, 1909 1.1%
    18. 18 Birch Forest, 1903 - Vienna, Osterreichische Museum für Angewandte Kunst, 1903 1.0%
    19. 19 38.La vírgen, 1913 1.0%
    20. 23 Virgin, The, 1913 this painting 0.6%

    Together these works take 55.4% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 724 works by this artist, of which 627 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 23 of them, with 0.6% of that attention. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Oct. 3, 2026

    Virgin, The — Gustav Klimt Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Virgin, The — Gustav Klimt

    A Symphony of Femininity: Decoding Klimt’s ‘The Virgin’

    Gustav Klimt's 1913 masterpiece, The Virgin, is far from a traditional depiction of motherhood or religious iconography. Instead, it presents an intimate and enigmatic scene – three intertwined female figures enveloped in a swirling embrace of color and pattern. This oil on canvas transcends mere portraiture; it’s a profound exploration of femininity, sensuality, and the cyclical nature of life itself.

    Composition & Visual Language

    The painting immediately draws the eye into its circular composition, creating a sense of enclosure and intimacy. The women are not presented as distinct individuals but rather as facets of a unified whole, their bodies merging seamlessly with the decorative background. Klimt’s signature style is on full display: richly patterned surfaces, flattened perspective, and an opulent use of color. Shades of purple, pink, yellow, and green dominate, creating a visually arresting and emotionally resonant experience. A clock positioned above the figures subtly introduces the concept of time's passage, while a vase adds a touch of domesticity to this otherwise dreamlike setting. The overall effect is one of luxurious confinement and sensual awakening.

    Symbolism & Interpretation

    The title, The Virgin, is deliberately provocative. It challenges conventional notions of purity and motherhood, suggesting instead a celebration of female sexuality and the power of collective feminine energy. The intertwined figures can be interpreted as representing different stages of womanhood – maiden, mother, and crone – or perhaps as embodying various aspects of a single complex personality. The floral motifs woven throughout the composition symbolize growth, fertility, and the blossoming of life. The circular form itself evokes images of the womb and the cyclical rhythms of nature.

    Klimt’s Artistic Style & Influences

    The Virgin exemplifies Klimt's unique blend of Symbolism and Art Nouveau. He moved beyond realistic representation, employing decorative patterns and stylized forms to convey deeper emotional and psychological truths. The influence of Byzantine mosaics – particularly the shimmering gold backgrounds found in religious art – is evident in his use of rich color and surface ornamentation. He was a leading figure in the Vienna Secession movement, which rejected academic traditions in favor of innovative artistic expression. His work often explored themes of love, death, and the human condition with unflinching honesty and psychological depth.

    Historical Context & Klimt’s Legacy

    Painted during a period of significant social and political upheaval, The Virgin reflects the changing attitudes towards sexuality and gender roles in early 20th-century Vienna. Klimt's work challenged societal norms and sparked controversy, but it also captivated audiences with its beauty and emotional power. He built upon the foundations laid by Romantic painters like Goya, Constable, and Turner who championed “art for art’s sake”. Klimt’s legacy continues to inspire artists and designers today, and his paintings remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

    Emotional Impact & Interior Design

    The Virgin is a painting that invites contemplation and evokes a range of emotions – from sensuality and warmth to mystery and melancholy. Its rich colors and intricate patterns create a visually stimulating experience, while its enigmatic subject matter encourages viewers to project their own interpretations onto the work. As an interior design element, this artwork would lend itself well to spaces seeking a touch of bohemian luxury or artistic sophistication. It pairs beautifully with jewel-toned furnishings, organic textures, and ambient lighting, creating an atmosphere of intimate elegance. Its presence is sure to spark conversation and inspire creativity.

    Further Exploration

    Related Works: Explore Klimt’s The Bride (unfinished) for a similar exploration of intertwined figures and symbolic imagery. Also, consider his portrait of Eugenia Primavesi to see how he applied his stylistic elements to individual portraits.

    Artistic Movement: Delve deeper into the world of Symbolism and Art Nouveau to understand the broader artistic context in which Klimt worked.

    Museums & Collections: Visit museums housing Klimt’s works, such as the Belvedere in Vienna, to experience his art firsthand.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Oct. 3, 2026

    Virgin, The — Gustav Klimt Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Gustav Klimt

    Born in Baumgarten, Austria

    A Life Forged in Gold and Shadow

    Born on July 14, 1862, in Baumgarten, near Vienna, Gustav Klimt entered a world where the boundaries of art and craft were intimately linked. His father, Ernst Klimt, worked as a gold engraver, a profession that left an indelible mark on his son’s visual language. The young Gustav learned to appreciate the weight of precious metals and the precision of fine detail long before he ever held a brush. This early exposure to the luster of gold leaf would later define his most famous period. Despite the financial hardships that forced his family through frequent moves within Vienna, his talent was undeniable. By 1876, he had entered the Vienna Kunstgewerbeschule, focusing on architectural painting under Ferdinand Laufberger.

    His early professional years were marked by a steady, academic success. Alongside his brother Ernst and Franz von Matsch, Klimt formed a partnership that secured essential commissions for decorative murals and ceilings. These works required a disciplined hand and an eye for large-scale ornamentation. He found himself working on significant projects, such as the staircases of the Burgtheater in Vienna, earning the Gold Cross of Merit from Emperor Franz Joseph I. During this time, he looked toward the historical styles of Hans Makart, yet a restless energy was already beginning to stir beneath his formal training.

    The Rebellion of the Secession

    By the late 1890s, the constraints of the Viennese academic establishment had become stifling. Klimt sought a space where innovation could exist outside the rigid dictates of tradition. In 1897, he became the first president of the Vienna Secession, a movement designed to embrace new currents like Art Nouveau, Symbolism, and Japonism. This was an era of profound change, and Klimt stood at its center. He rejected the heavy, historical academicism in favor of organic lines and symbolic depth. His work began to explore the complexities of human intimacy, sexuality, and mortality with a frankness that often unsettled the conservative public.

    This period of defiance brought both significant friction and profound creative growth. A notable instance occurred around 1900, when his commissions for the University of Vienna ceiling paintings—specifically Philosophy—were criticized as being too provocative. The backlash was severe enough that Klimt eventually withdrew from further public commissions, choosing instead to focus on private patronage. This shift allowed him to refine a more personal, decorative style. He drew heavily from the flattened perspectives and patterned aesthetics of Japanese art, integrating these elements into compositions that blurred the distinction between fine painting and ornamental design.

    The Golden Era and Final Transitions

    Around 1900, Klimt entered his most recognizable phase, often called his golden period. Inspired by the mosaics of Ravenna and medieval manuscripts, he began using gold leaf to create surfaces that seemed to radiate their own light. Works such as The Kiss (1907-1908) demonstrate this mastery, featuring figures enveloped in a shimmering, patterned aura. His portraits from this time, including the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, captured more than mere physical likeness; they conveyed a psychological weight through the use of intricate, mosaic-like textures.

    As his life drew toward its end, Klimt’s style underwent another subtle transformation. The heavy ornamentation of the golden phase began to give way to a more restrained and angular aesthetic. In works completed in 1918, such as The Jurisprudence, there is a move toward expressive simplification and sharper lines, perhaps reflecting the influence of the burgeoning Expressionist movement. His final years were marked by this continued evolution, even as he faced the physical toll of the Spanish Flu pandemic. He passed away on February 6, 1918, leaving behind a body of work that fundamentally altered the trajectory of Austrian modernism.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Virgin, The

    topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/gustav-klimt-virgin-the-6E3TCW-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Klimt, Gustav. Virgin, The. 1913, https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/gustav-klimt-virgin-the-6E3TCW-en/
    APA
    Klimt, Gustav (1913). Virgin, The [Painting]. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/gustav-klimt-virgin-the-6E3TCW-en/
    Chicago
    Gustav Klimt. Virgin, The. 1913. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/gustav-klimt-virgin-the-6E3TCW-en/
    Harvard
    Klimt, Gustav (1913) Virgin, The. Available at: https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/gustav-klimt-virgin-the-6E3TCW-en/

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Oct. 3, 2026

    Virgin, The — Gustav Klimt Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Virgin, The — Gustav Klimt

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. How many faces can you find? ____ (our catalogue counts 3 — do you agree?)
    4. Our catalogue files this work under: nude figures, floral patterns, symbolic art. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    5. Look back at The kiss, earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Oct. 3, 2026

    Virgin, The — Gustav Klimt Part 5 · Look closely

    Art quiz

    Virgin, The — Gustav Klimt

    How well do you know this artwork?

    Tick one answer for each of the 5 questions below. Each has exactly one correct answer.

    1. 1. In what year was Gustav Klimt's 'The Virgin' painted?

      • A 1905
      • B 1913
      • C 1928

    2. 2. Which artistic movements heavily influenced Klimt’s style in ‘The Virgin’?

      • A Renaissance and Baroque
      • B Impressionism and Pointillism
      • C Symbolism and Art Nouveau

    3. 3. What is a prominent compositional element within 'The Virgin' that contributes to its dreamlike quality?

      • A Precise realism
      • B Traditional perspective
      • C Flattened perspective and swirling forms

    4. 4. The image description notes the painting is characterized by...

      • A Subtle, muted tones
      • B Bold geometric shapes and a limited color palette
      • C Dense layering of patterns and vibrant colors

    5. 5. What primary medium did Klimt use to create 'The Virgin'?

      • A Watercolor on paper
      • B Oil on wood panel
      • C Oil on canvas

    My score: ____ out of 5

    Answer key — for the teacher

    This starts a fresh printed page, so it can simply be left out of the copies.

    1B · 2C · 3C · 4C · 5C

    Check any answer against the catalogue record for this painting

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Oct. 3, 2026

    Virgin, The — Gustav Klimt Part 6 · Art quiz

    Questions & Answers

    Who created "Virgin, The" and in what year?

    The author of "Virgin, The" is Gustav Klimt, and the work is dated 1913.

    How do I discover artworks close to "Virgin, The" by Gustav Klimt?

    Works similar to "Virgin, The" are listed on the artwork's Similars page.

    When and with what materials was "Virgin, The" made?

    "Virgin, The" was created in 1913 using the oil on canvas technique. Material and date describe how and when the original was made.