Subject and Commission

The portrait is of Fritza Riedler, the wife of Professor Alois Riedler, who was a teacher at the Institute of Technology in Berlin-Charlottenburg. The portrait was commissioned by her husband around or shortly before 1906.

Artistic Style and Technique

The painting is an oil on canvas work, measuring 153 by 133 centimeters, and is part of Klimt's "Golden phase," characterized by the extensive use of gold and other metallic elements. It combines naturalistic representation with Art Nouveau ornamentation. The portrait features Fritza Riedler seated in an elegant pose, exuding relaxed confidence and refined grace.

Color Palette and Composition

The color palette is notable for its muted tones, particularly the use of whites and off-whites for her dress, which is intricately detailed with floral motifs and other ornaments. The background includes rich golden hues and sumptuous browns, along with geometric and abstract patterns typical of Klimt's work during this period. The right side of the portrait features more geometric and abstract elements, adding a decorative flair.

Decorative Elements

Klimt's use of decorative and symbolic motifs is evident in the background, which includes geometric and golden patterns. The armchair in which Fritza sits has been transformed into a two-dimensional outline filled with gold and silver eye-shaped motifs, blending realism with abstraction. A semicircular shape behind her head, decorated with mosaic layers, frames her face and draws attention to it.

Realism and Abstraction

The portrait is marked by a contrast between hyper-realism in the depiction of Fritza's face and hands, and the almost abstract geometric shapes in the decorative patterns of the armchair and background. This contrasting effect was one of Klimt's innovations, opening up new visual possibilities and distinguishing his work from typical Art Nouveau style.

Current Location

The "Portrait of Fritza Riedler" is housed at the Belvedere museum in Vienna, Austria, where it is available for public viewing.

Historical Context

Klimt was already an acclaimed portrait painter by around 1905, having created other notable works such as the "Portrait of Margaret Stonborough-Wittgenstein" and "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer" during the same period. His meticulous approach to composition and his emphasis on idealism and harmony are reflected in this portrait as well.