18 Gustav Klimt Quotes from the Austrian Painter

Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) was an influential Austrian painter and founder of the Vienna Sezession school of painting.

After studying at the Vienna School of Decorative Arts, Klimt opened his studio in 1883, focusing on mural paintings.

His mature style, characterized by decorative patterns of color and gold leaf, emerged in 1897 when he founded the Vienna Sezession, a group rejecting academic art for an Art Nouveau-inspired style.

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His controversial allegorical murals for the University of Vienna were heavily criticized for their erotic symbolism.

Klimt’s most recognized works include “The Kiss”, “Goldfish” and portraits like “Fritza Riedler” and “Adele Bloch-Bauer I,” the latter sold for a record $135 million in 2006 after being restituted to the Bloch-Bauer family following Nazi confiscation during World War II.

Related: Winslow Homer Quotes from American Landscape Painter and Claude Monet Quotes from Famous French Painter

I have listed below the top quotes by Gustav Klimt for you.


Best Gustav Klimt Quotes

Even the most humble object, provided it is perfectly executed, increases the beauty of our earth. ~ Gustav Klimt.

No part of life is so small and insignificant that it does not offer space for artistic aspirations. ~ Gustav Klimt.

True relaxation, which would do me the world of good, does not exist for me. ~ Gustav Klimt.

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All art is erotic. ~ Gustav Klimt.

There is no self-portrait of me. ~ Gustav Klimt.

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There is always hope, as long as the canvases are empty. ~ Gustav Klimt.

On my first days here I did not start work immediately but, as planned, I took it easy for a few days – flicked through books, studied Japanese art a little. ~ Gustav Klimt.

Famous Gustav Klimt Quotes

After tea it’s back to painting – a large poplar at dusk with a gathering storm. From time to time instead of this evening painting session I go bowling in one of the neighbouring villages, but not very often. ~ Gustav Klimt.

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There is nothing that special to see when looking at me. ~ Gustav Klimt.

I can paint and draw. I believe this myself and a few other people say that they believe this too. But I’m not certain of whether it’s true. ~ Gustav Klimt.

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Although even when I am being idle I have plenty of food for thought both early and late – thoughts both about and not about art. ~ Gustav Klimt.

Whoever wants to know something about me – as an artist which alone is significant – they should look attentively at my pictures and there seek to recognise what I am and what I want. ~ Gustav Klimt.

Top Gustav Klimt Quotes

Even when I have to write a simple letter I’m scared stiff as if faced with looming seasickness. ~ Gustav Klimt.

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Truth is like fire; to tell the truth means to glow and burn. ~ Gustav Klimt.

Sometimes I miss out the morning’s painting session and instead study my Japanese books in the open. ~ Gustav Klimt.

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Art is a line around your thoughts. ~ Gustav Klimt.

There is nothing that special to see when looking at me. I’m a painter who paints day in day out, from morning till evening – figure pictures and landscapes, more rarely portraits. ~ Gustav Klimt.

There is no self-portrait of me. ~ Gustav Klimt.

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There is always hope, as long as the canvases are empty. ~ Gustav Klimt.

I have the gift of neither the spoken nor the written word, especially if I have to say something about myself or my work. Whoever wants to know something about me -as an artist, the only notable thing- ought to look carefully at my pictures and try and see in them what I am and what I want to do. ~ Gustav Klimt.



So these were the 18 famous quotes about Gustav Klimt.

If you like these quotes and sayings, then you can also read my other posts on Abigail Van Buren quotes and Ferdinand Marcos quotes.

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Chandan Negi
Chandan Negi

I’m the Founder of Internet Pillar - I love sharing quotes and motivational content to inspire and motivate people - #quotes #motivation #internetpillar