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.
Recommended Citation
Curta, Lucica, "Painter and King: Gustav Klimt’s Work at Peles Castle" (1998). Masters Theses. 4210.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4210