Gustav Klimt (1862–1918) (after) - "Water Serpents II, 1907"

- Gustav Klimt (after), offset lithograph on textured matte paper (approx. 300gsm, refers to paper thickness/density). - Signed in the plate. - Stamp on verso. - Embossed stamp. - Condition: very good. Never framed, never exposed. - Size of each: 43 x 69,5 cm - More lots currently at auction: https://www.catawiki.com/es/u/7684787-yuke - Gustav Klimt’s Water Serpents II (1904–07) is one of the most sensuous and symbolically charged works of his mature Golden Period, transforming the female body into an almost continuous ornamental rhythm of pale flesh, flowing hair, flowers and jewel-like colour. Several reclining women appear intertwined across the horizontal composition, their elongated bodies floating through an aquatic, dreamlike environment in which figure and decoration become inseparable. Klimt dissolves conventional spatial depth in favour of a dense surface of arabesques, floral motifs, mosaic-like pattern and luminous colour, combining eroticism with the decorative language that made the Vienna Secession so distinctive. The contrast between ivory skin, blazing orange and gold hair, deep black passages, violet, green, red and turquoise creates an atmosphere that is at once luxurious, intimate and mysterious. The work belongs to the same creative universe as The Kiss, Danaë and Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, and reflects Klimt’s fascination with Byzantine mosaics, Japanese prints, Symbolism and Art Nouveau. Its treatment of female sensuality also places it in dialogue with Egon Schiele, Franz von Stuck, Fernand Khnopff and the broader fin-de-siècle exploration of desire, beauty and the subconscious. With its opulent palette of gold, orange, ivory, black, violet, turquoise, soft green and crimson, Water Serpents II has exceptional decorative impact in Art Nouveau, Art Deco, glamorous eclectic, contemporary and richly layered interiors. Its panoramic horizontal format makes it especially effective above a sofa, sideboard, bed, dining console or long cabinet, where the flowing composition can visually extend the room. It pairs beautifully with dark walnut, black lacquer, brass, bronze, marble, velvet, silk and textured neutral fabrics, as well as furniture and lighting inspired by Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser, Carlo Bugatti, Gio Ponti and later modernist design. Against deep emerald, burgundy, midnight blue, warm cream or charcoal walls, the pale figures and jewel-like decorative passages become especially luminous. An ideal choice for a living room, bedroom, dressing room, library or sophisticated lounge, it also makes a distinctive gift for admirers of Gustav Klimt, Vienna 1900, Symbolism, Art Nouveau, erotic art and decorative modernism. For admirers of Gustav Klimt, Viennese Secession art and turn-of-the-century modernism, Water Serpents II embodies the artist’s extraordinary ability to merge sensual figuration with pattern, luxury and psychological atmosphere. Its appeal extends naturally to admirers of Schiele, Mucha, Munch, Khnopff, Beardsley, Picasso, Matisse, Miró, Magritte, Dalí, Lempicka, Warhol, Hockney, Basquiat, Haring, Banksy and Gerhard Richter, connecting fin-de-siècle symbolism with later modern and contemporary visual culture. It also fits naturally within collections shaped by fashion, jewellery, photography and luxury design, from Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Bulgari to Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Dior, Hermès and Gucci, alongside vintage posters, art books, rare editions, Lego, Star Wars, Pokémon and other sought-after collectibles. A sumptuous, erotic and unmistakably Klimt composition, ideal for bringing decorative richness, flowing movement and the sophisticated atmosphere of imperial Vienna to any interior.

Estimate:£1.67

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