Klimt, Gustav

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Austrian painter. He was influenced by Jugendstil (art nouveau) and was a founding member of the Vienna Sezession group in 1897. His paintings, often sensual and erotic, have a jewelled effect similar to mosaics, for example The Kiss (1909; Musée des Beaux-Arts, Strasbourg). His many portraits include Judith I (1901; Österreichische Galerie, Vienna).

Klimt's paintings and other decorative works (for example, the mosaics for the Palais Stoclet, Brussels) are characterized by academic forms that are obscured by massed repetitive decorative elements. His use of decorative fragments and gold backgrounds is derived from Byzantine mosaics, but his depiction of women – as seductive and dangerous – is typical of fin-de-siècle decadence. Examples are the Jurisprudence panel (1903–07; destroyed 1945) and his ideal woman as Pallas Athene.

The flags of Qatar and Bahrain are very similar, reflecting the countries' historical links. The proportions of the Qatari flag are unique. Effective date: c. 1949. >>