Auction gem sets European record

"A technical tour de force, full of groundbreaking experiments and a sincere ode to absolute beauty." These words describe this week's Auction Gem. Gustav Klimt's so-called Lady with the Fan went under the hammer last week and fetched millions. The masterpiece set a European record.

"A technical tour de force, full of ground-breaking experiments and a sincere ode to absolute beauty." These are the words that describe this week's Auction Gem. Gustav Klimt's so-called 'Lady with the Fan' went under the hammer last week and fetched millions. The masterpiece even set a real record. 

Gustav Klimt died in 1918 at the age of 56. Dame mit Facher is the last portrait the artist made before his untimely death and was even still on his easel when he died unexpectedly. According to experts, the period before his death is his best. The seductive portrait of the nameless woman from this time is considered by many to be his masterpiece.

Klimt began work in 1917, when he was one of Europe's most celebrated portraitists: commissions came in quickly. However, the work of the seductive woman seems rare. Not commissioned and full of freedom and spontaneity, it reflects his joy in painting it. It also betrays his innovative approach. Traditionally, portraits were painted in portrait form. However, the Austrian artist opted for the square format for this work. This gives the painting a unique and even modern edge. 

All time lap record

A recurring theme in Klimt's work is symbolism and eroticism. Both in tender and more undisguised form. In his early days his work was often labeled as pornographic. More acceptance followed later. In 2023, his works are sold for astronomical amounts. Dame mit Fächer changed hands at a Sotheby's auction last week for the equivalent of €86 million. This makes the painting the most valuable work ever offered at auction in Europe. 

It is not known who will be allowed to add the precious Auction gem to his art collection.