Praise To Joy The God Descended

Praise To Joy The God Descended

The Byzantine gold artwork, Praise To Joy The God Descended, reveals the beautiful presence of Gustav Klimt's technique, created between in 1893-1901.

Gustav Klimt's father worked as a gold engraver in Vienna throughout the artist's childhood, teaching his son how to sculpt the fine metal with precision. Klimt went on to incorporate an immense number of materials, metals and stones within his artwork as he entered his gold phase. The artist is most know for his bronze tones and Byzantine mosaic patterns throughout his work.

The painting manifests a multitude of different patterns and design's throughout the luxurious painting. To the left of the painting, five women are displayed amongst one another, longing onto their rich brown hair as they touch one another. These women are portrayed with white skin, against a gold leaf background. The array of women hold their hands out to another group of females to the right of the canvas. Klimt had symmetrically drawn this group of woman in an evenly layered pattern blended into the background of the piece. These women hold their heads up, showcasing their pale face and closed eyes. Their hands are held up in an Egyptian pose, all in exact coordination.

The artist lightly showcases the women's silhouette, as a mosaic pattern of red and yellow cover their bodies. The soft pattern consists of swirling orange toned lines, where under each arch a yellow dot is located. Three layers of woman is evident within the piece, as the artists used their symmetric form to manifest a smooth composition. Their feet are point out, transforming into a deep turquoise texture in a mosaic print; paired with garden coloured green and small blossoms.

The right side of the canvas holds the focal point of the artwork, as a strong man holds onto a strong figure. As evident throughout the painting, the artist was fascinated with female figures rather than men. However, if the artist depicted a man within his work, he placed him backwards to showcase a muscular back. Klimt believed the only in depth portion of a man's body were their backs and face. Behind the man, a classic art deco themed background is portrayed across the artwork. This piece is drenched in shades of gold and bronze, accompanied by a turquoise banner and chequered mosaic pattern. The legs of the man are tangled in a blue weave of fabric, covering his feet. On top of the couple, a sun and a moon are manifested in a gold tone, a symbol for a mythological entity.