Gustav Klimt: Picture 'Lady with fan' (1917/18), version framed in platinum colour

The 'Lady with Fan' is one of Klimt's last two paintings. The painting was still on the artist's easel in his studio when Klimt died. It realised over 10 million US dollars at an auction in 1994. Almost 30 years later, in June 2023, it went up for auction again and was sold in London for £85.3 million - the highest bid ever achieved for a Klimt painting and also the highest ever achieved for a painting at a European auction, belonging to Klimt's 'Golden Style'. Inspired by Byzantine mosaics, he inserted ornamental areas of colour into a golden bed like set gemstones. His depictions of bodies possess a subtle eroticism, their figures dissolving into ornamental but also geometric areas of colour. The 'Lady with Fan' wears a wide, kimono-like dress adorned with motifs of a Chinese dragon robe. Asian motifs cover the background. Behind the head of the 'Wally' a phoenix can be seen, its tail feathers looking like an extension of the hairstyle, next to it a heron or crane and lotus blossoms.the phoenix is a symbol of immortality and rebirth. In China, it symbolises good luck and loyalty, just like the heron, while the crane stands for a happy old age. In the Chinese tradition, the lotus blossoms can be interpreted as a symbol of love and a happy marriage; in Buddhism, they stand for the teachings of Buddha and are generally a symbol of purity.Original: 1917/18, oil on canvas, privately owned. Painting as a brilliant reproduction in fine art giclée process on artist canvas made of 100% cotton, on stretcher frame. Limited edition of 499 copies. Manufactory real wood framing with moulding surface in Passau platinum. Format approx. 77 x 77 cm.