Adam und Eva (unvollendet) 1917
Adam and Eve (unfinished)
Measures: 173 x 60 cm
Technique: Oil on canvas
Depository: Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, Vienna
The unfinished work "Adam and Eve" by Gustav Klimt dates 1917/18 and could not be finished due to the sudden death of Klimt on February 6, 1918. The unmarked 173 x 60 cm painting was painted in oil on canvas, and now hangs in the Belvedere in Vienna.
The biblical couple Adam and Eve are on display. Klimt emphasises the appearance of Eve with bright and light colours in the foreground. She is the main figure in this painting. Adam in the background seems to be of no great importance to Klimt. Klimt is known for his depictions of women, because he preferred the female body in its anatomy, form and aesthetics. So it is not surprising that Eve is dominating the painting.
Even in the private life of the artist women played a greater role than men. After Klimt's father and brother had died, the artist lived the rest of his life with his mother and sisters. In addition, Klimt's life was marked by the open relationship or friendship with the designer Emilie Flöge. The numerous affairs with his models, who posed in his studio every day show Klimts' love to the female sex and so beeing his biggest inspiration. Klimt was not interested in religion in general, so this painting with its biblical scence is a exception in Klimts' oeuvre.
