Up until today, Gustav Klimt has been labelled variously: revolutionary and modernist pioneer, compulsive pornographer, ladies' man, enfant terrible for the conservative educated middle-class, and overrated painter of golden kitsch. For a number of years he has also been a significant protagonist in the contest for the most expensive paintings of all time. Today, almost 2 years after his death, it is difficult to decide between these various labels. In this first volume of the new series EDITION BELVEDERE, authors sketch a portrait of this unique artist, based on his works, letters, comments by his contemporaries, and a wealth of photos from the Klimt archive, some of which have never been shown before. Accompany the authors on this fascinatingly told life story!

Contributions by: Stefanie Penck, Alfred Weidinger