Good afternoon everyone!I thought it was about time I contributed a post to this blog. For one, it is overdue; two, I have to thank Susan not only for organizing this amazing and unique tour of the villa, all the way from "hot and humid" DC, but also for her kind words and pride about my appearance; three, I had to answer Duncan's suggestion that I might not have been there... Not true: photoshop notwithstanding, both I and the tie were there to keep Barbara's company. Plus, I would'nt have missed the tour for the world!
Due to illnesses and vacations, only a few doctors from St. Anna made it, including myself and St. Anna Hospital and Cancer Institute's President, Pr. Gadner. As Barbara said, Dr. Georg Becker was a most gracious host, and a wealth of knowledge on Klimt's life and work. I knew quite a bit about the work, but as I got to realize, little about the life!
Barbara has managed a great piece of art work, taking this picture of the garden through the glass door that leads to Klimt's "new" atelier, with his name painted on the door!
After everyone departed, Barbara, a colleague and I had the privilege of a private tour of the quarters upstairs, very rarely shown to the public! I have posted here the psychedelic lamp that Susan referred to, as well as a gown that G.K. often wore while working or walking the gardens in search of a floral pattern or other inspirational motifs, and the miniscule stool that Barbara mentioned in her blog, a Congolese wooden chair, the only survivor of two used by the artist. I have also posted an old black and white photograph showing the two stools in the Klimt's atelier.
Finally, I could not resist adding this photograph of a neo-baroque window ornament of the original villa in 1922, now used as a most unique TV stand.
After everyone departed, Barbara, a colleague and I had the privilege of a private tour of the quarters upstairs, very rarely shown to the public! I have posted here the psychedelic lamp that Susan referred to, as well as a gown that G.K. often wore while working or walking the gardens in search of a floral pattern or other inspirational motifs, and the miniscule stool that Barbara mentioned in her blog, a Congolese wooden chair, the only survivor of two used by the artist. I have also posted an old black and white photograph showing the two stools in the Klimt's atelier.
Finally, I could not resist adding this photograph of a neo-baroque window ornament of the original villa in 1922, now used as a most unique TV stand.
We owe all photographs within to Barbara; a job well done!
Cheers,
Idriss.
5 comments:
Idriss and Barbara - I very much enjoyed your photo essay about the Klimt Villa. And the pictures are wonderful too, especially the GK gown. I agree with you about the three-legged stool: I can't see quite imagine the great man sitting on it, can you?
Duncan
Hi Idriss, Barbara and Duncan:
What a surpise this morning logging onto our blog and seeing your wonderful photos! Quite the best I have seen, better than many Klimt art and Vienna guidebooks. The juxtaposition (sp?) of the little stool next to the actual photo is wonderful! What a perspective it gives. I guite agree with Duncan, that it is hard to believe that the great Master sat on the little stool. Especailly since he was known to eat a hearty breakfast with schlag on everything at the Cafe next to Schonbrunn before he walked to this studio in Hietaing every day.
Also, the smock and the art deco lights are wonderful photos to see. Idriss, you take some good photos. they put Annie LIebowitz to shame!Now you need to buy an IHhone since it has a camera attached to it!
Glad that you all had such a wonderful trip, you should put all of these wonderful memories down in a journal for posterity!
more later
susan von
Cafe Tivoil:
It was Cafe Tivoli where GK had a very hearty breakfast every morning and then walked to the studio in Hetizing.
Sadly, no longer in existence.
It would be fun to retrace his steps one day.
susanvon
I cannot take credit for the photos; Barbara was the artist, not me! I just happened to be wandering around and her lens caught me now and then (unless, I, caught her lens, who knows?). Anyway, credit is due where it is due! And I agree with everyone, Barbara took some great photos. Dr. Becker emailed me to let me know that he has liked them so much that he forwarded all the photos I had emailed him to the Klimt Villa archives (!).
Yes Duncan, I can't imagine the great master putting down his noble behind on such a tiny little support, Congolese or not! However, I must say that Dr. Becker did not yield to my concerns that I voiced quite vocally. His own -quite authoritative- words "He sat on those stools, and that's that!". Well. maybe not to the letter, but something to that effect. Sort of. I think.
Idriss.
Hey Idriss:
well you know how Dr. Becker is, very German, and he is a German Luthern too boot, same as I; and you better not argue or question them!
Remember Martin Luther and what he was able to accomplish!
Also, Dr.Becker taught art history since the age of Rembrandt and Vermeer, so I guess he about what he is talking!
lol
susanvon
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