Date of Award

4-1998

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

History

First Advisor

Dr. John O. Norman

Second Advisor

Dr. Barbara I. Brotherton

Third Advisor

Dr. Barbara I. Brotherton

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

Gustav Klimt's work at Peles Castle, which was unknown until now due to the cultural isolation of Communist Romania, is the focus of this study. Against the background of Carol of Hohenzollern's life and activities as King of Romania (1866-1914), the castle is viewed as playing an important role in forming the King's new identity in his new homeland. The eclectic decoration of the castle reflects Carol's life experience and character. The King represented the best match for Klimt's artistic aspirations at that time.

Klimt's early life and work during the early 1880s is examined in the light of his work at Peles Castle. The artist was working for audiences in search of establishing their own social identity and his art may have been attractive to King Carol. On the other hand, Klimt was encouraged to innovate both by the special setting of his art and the social and cultural needs of his patron.

The Peles paintings show that Klimt's original style was visible at a much earlier date in his career than scholars believed until now.

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