9781422285374

KLIMT

13

(Mary Evans Picture Library/Imagno)

 ABOVE:  Gustav Klimt holding one of his cats in front of his studio at Josefstaedter Strasse 21 in the 8 th district, Vienna.

remained unrealized. All three Klimt brothers had artistic talents – Gustav, Ernst Jr., and Georg would later work together. It was a particularly tough existence for the family. Work in the Habsburg Empire – particularly for immigrants – was scarce. The family moved often – always in search of cheaper housing. This was combined

Born in Baumgarten, near Vienna in Austria-Hungary on July 14, 1862, Gustav Klimt was the second of seven children. His siblings consisted of two younger brothers and four sisters. His father, Ernst Klimt Sr., was a gold engraver originally from Bohemia, while his mother, Anna, had wanted to be a performer. Her musical ambitions