Blood of Fish

Blood of Fish by Gustav Klimt was drawn in 1897, during a period of transformation from the classic realist style to a revolutionary modernist approach.

The Secessionists at the time broadcasted their own avant-garde art in Vienna, as they attempted to change the style of art into philosophical and aesthetically pleasing pieces.

Klimt's ideology towards art began to transform from a detail oriented realist style to an impressionist art nouveau style. His graphic drawings began to raise recognition as he incorporated Greek patterns and aspects of Japanese culture into his work.

Fish of Blood remains as one of Klimt's most prominent pieces of graphic design, as one of his transitional piece within his work.

The drawing illustrates four beautiful nude women, accentuating the female autonomy. Klimt still remained inspired by the body shapes of woman through all the curves, caverns and textures. Yet, this technique accentuated the outline of their body, rather that the intricate detail Klimt based portraits on.

Within the piece the woman are wrapped amount one another swimming in the calm current of the water. The women's hair is long as flows harmoniously with the water, and is accompanied by a single fish. The fish in-sync swims with the woman under the water, as the two elements of nature slowly come together as one.

The background of the piece illustrates strands of matter, perhaps illustrating seaweed, or additional texture within the water. This matter joins with the long hair of the woman, showing a similarity in symbolism between the nature of the female body and the texture of water in strands.

The sexual presence of woman is a common theme Klimt explores throughout his work, yet respectfully illustrates their bodies at the autonym of nature. Art critics have argued that the piece symbolizes the metaphysics of an endless life, floating within the water. The smooth current of the water intertwines with the long hair of the women, bringing the two aspects together as the women and fish cohabitate.

The transitional piece of Klimt illustrates is masterful skill in graphic design as he depicts a modern philosophy into reality during the 19th century. The drawing brings to life the flat surface to life through the lively curves and techniques used within the piece. The illustration if the foundation for Klimt to transform from the classic realist paintings he was confortable with, to developing his own style during a revolutionary time in art history.

Klimt's career will develop into the impressionism era, using an art nouveau technique to accentuate his work. His modern paintings will incorporate an array of designs and patterns influenced by the Greek, Egyptians and Japanese cultures at the time; using bright colours to bring his work to life, and gold as a trademark.