Famous Paintings in the Austrian Gallery Belvedere: the Originals

1. The Kiss by Gustav Klimt, 1908
2. Napoleon at the St. Bernard Pass by Jacques-Louis David, 1801
3. Judith by Gustav Klimt, 1901
4. The Family by Egon Schiele, 1917
5. Birch Forest by Gustav Klimt, 1903
6. Poppy Field by Gustav Klimt, 1907
7. Mother with Two Children by Egon Schiele, 1917
8. Death and the Maiden by Egon Schiele, 1915
9. Avenue of Schloss Kammer Park by Gustav Klimt, 1912
10. The Apple Tree by Gustav Klimt, 1912

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   Gustav Klimt (1862–1918)

   1. The Kiss by Gustav Klimt, 1908

   Austrian Gallery Belvedere, Vienna1908Oil on canvas180 × 180 cm

   The composition draws the eye inward, using verticality to create a sense of quiet enclosure. It feels as though the rest of the world has fallen away, leaving only this singular, luminous moment. As a founding member of the Vienna Secession, the artist sought to break free from the rigid academic traditions of the time.

   The originalOriginals by Gustav Klimt

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   Jacques-Louis David (1748–1825)

   2. Napoleon at the St. Bernard Pass by Jacques-Louis David, 1801

   Austrian Gallery Belvedere, Vienna1801Oil on canvas246 × 231 cm

   Completed in 1801, this work immortalizes Napoleon’s daring crossing of the Great St. Bernard Pass in May 1800 during his Italian campaign – a pivotal moment that solidified his rise to prominence. The painting was commissioned by Charles IV of Spain, intended for a gallery of great military leaders within the Royal Palace of Madrid, signifying a diplomatic gesture and acknowledging Napoleon’s growing influence. It followed Napoleon's coup d'état in 1799, establishing him as First Consul, and his subsequent successful campaign against Austria.

   The originalOriginals by Jacques-Louis David

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   Gustav Klimt (1862–1918)

   3. Judith by Gustav Klimt, 1901

   Austrian Gallery Belvedere, Vienna1901Oil paint on canvas

   The central figure in "Judith" is a woman of regal bearing and serene confidence. Klimt's "Judith" is a quintessential example of Art Nouveau, characterized by its flowing lines, decorative patterns, and emphasis on beauty.

   The originalOriginals by Gustav Klimt

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   Egon Schiele (1890–1918)

   4. The Family by Egon Schiele, 1917

   Austrian Gallery Belvedere, Vienna1917Oil on canvas152 × 162 cm

   In The Family, this manifests through jagged, angular lines that seem to vibrate with tension. Schiele was a leading figure in Austrian Expressionism, a movement that prioritized subjective experience over objective reality.

   The originalOriginals by Egon Schiele

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   Gustav Klimt (1862–1918)

   5. Birch Forest by Gustav Klimt, 1903

   Austrian Gallery Belvedere, Vienna1903Oil on canvas110 × 110 cm

   Painted during Klimt's early Impressionist phase, this artwork exemplifies his ability to blend realism with atmospheric effects. The loose, expressive brushwork creates a sense of movement and depth, while the play of light and shadow brings the forest scene to life. "Birch Forest" was created in 1903, a pivotal year for Gustav Klimt. This period marked his transition from the decorative styles of the Vienna Secession to a more personal and symbolic approach.

   The originalOriginals by Gustav Klimt

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   Gustav Klimt (1862–1918)

   6. Poppy Field by Gustav Klimt, 1907

   Austrian Gallery Belvedere, Vienna1907Oil paint on canvas110 × 110 cm

   Painted in 1907, Poppy Field is part of Klimt’s exploration of landscape painting during his golden phase. Klimt’s father was a traveling artisan specializing in gold engravings, but Klimt’s use of gold leaf in paintings was inspired by a trip he made to Italy in 1903. During his stay in Litzlberg on the Attersee in the summer of 1907, Klimt discovered a magnificent poppy-filled meadow which he captured in the painting “Poppy Field.” The meadow extends across almost the entire surface of the painting.

   The originalOriginals by Gustav Klimt

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   Egon Schiele (1890–1918)

   7. Mother with Two Children by Egon Schiele, 1917

   Austrian Gallery Belvedere, Vienna1917Oil on canvas150 × 160 cm

   In this 1917 oil on canvas, Egon Schiele presents Mother with Two Children. In 1911, he produced Pregnant woman and Death, a work that, much like this portrait, navigates the delicate intersection of life and its inevitable conclusion. The artist’s preoccupation with the fragility of existence is further reflected in Death and the Maiden, created in 1915. Agony, 1912 Death and the Maiden, 1915 To experience this work in its original setting, one must travel to Vienna, Austria.

   The originalOriginals by Egon Schiele

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   Egon Schiele (1890–1918)

   8. Death and the Maiden by Egon Schiele, 1915

   Austrian Gallery Belvedere, Vienna1915Oil on canvas

   The earthy tones of brown, beige, and green in the background contrast sharply with the vibrant reds, pinks, and purples on the Maiden's garment. This contrast not only highlights the emotional interaction between the figures but also adds depth and complexity to the painting. Created during World War I, "Death and the Maiden" reflects Schiele's personal experiences and the broader societal anxieties of the time.

   The originalOriginals by Egon Schiele

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   Gustav Klimt (1862–1918)

   9. Avenue of Schloss Kammer Park by Gustav Klimt, 1912

   Austrian Gallery Belvedere, Vienna1912Oil on canvas110 × 110 cm

   "Avenue of Schloss Kammer Park" exemplifies Klimt's mastery of the Art Nouveau style, characterized by its emphasis on organic forms, intricate patterns, and a harmonious blend of nature and architecture. The artwork is part of a series of landscapes Klimt created, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of nature with remarkable detail and sensitivity. "Avenue of Schloss Kammer Park" is executed in an impressionistic style, characterized by visible brushstrokes, a focus on capturing the overall impression of the scene rather than fine details, and an emphasis on light and color.

   The originalOriginals by Gustav Klimt

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    Gustav Klimt (1862–1918)

    10. The Apple Tree by Gustav Klimt, 1912

    Austrian Gallery Belvedere, Vienna1912Oil on canvas80 × 80 cm

    The background features a serene sky with wispy clouds and distant hills, creating a sense of depth and tranquility. The foreground is adorned with a patch of grass, adding to the overall harmony of the scene. "The Apple Tree" was created during Klimt's later years, a period marked by his exploration of natural themes and symbolic elements.

    The originalOriginals by Gustav Klimt

The Austrian Gallery Belvedere (Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, Belvedere Museum, Belvedere) — museum — in Vienna, Austria. Its highlights: Gustav Klimt's The Kiss, Egon Schiele works, Oskar Kokoschka works, Austrian art from Middle Ages to present. Our catalogue lists 95 of its paintings and works on paper, by 32 artists, dated 1746 to 1924.