Schubert at the Piano II (1899)
In Schubert at the Piano II, Gustav Klimt presents the iconic composer Franz Schubert seated at the piano, enveloped by elegantly dressed women of his era. Commissioned by Nikolaus Dumba for his luxurious Vienna apartment, this artwork blends the contemporary with the historical, showcasing Klimt's distinctive style characterized by ethereal light and deliberate ambiguity. The piece is a testament to the intimate relationship between music and art in early 20th-century Vienna, even though its original form has been lost to time.
Year 1899
About the Artwork
The painting was commissioned by Nikolaus Dumba, a Greek industrialist seeking to beautify his music room with two exceptional artworks by Klimt. The artist’s representation of Schubert diverges from typical historical portrayals; he chose to dress the surrounding women in fashion reflective of his own time, thus magicalizing the scene. This decision, coupled with Klimt's atmospheric use of light and shadow, imbues the work with a dreamlike quality, inviting viewers to experience the world through the lens of music. Sadly, Schubert at the Piano II was lost in a fire during World War II, yet Klimt’s preliminary sketches preserve the essence of this enchanting piece, highlighting the artist’s profound ability to capture both emotion and form.
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Did You Know
The original Schubert at the Piano II was tragically destroyed in a fire at Schloss Immendorf during World War II, yet its legacy lives on through Klimt’s studies and drafts kept in various collections.
Klimt’s decision to dress the figures in contemporary clothing as opposed to historical attire was a bold statement of artistic innovation, bridging the past and present within the rich tapestry of Viennese culture.
Franz Schubert, the subject of Klimt’s work, is remembered today as a pivotal figure in classical music, whose melodic richness and emotional depth continue to influence composers and musicians around the world.
