Klimt Paintings And Grandma Moses Paintings

By Darren Hartley


Philosophy, Medicine and Jurisprudence were three Klimt paintings criticized for their radical themes and material. Considered pornographic, these paintings transformed traditional allegory and symbolism into a new language which was more overtly sexual, hence, more disturbing. Unfortunately, in May, 1945, all three paintings were destroyed by retreating SS forces.

Another example of Klimt paintings, meant to shake up the establishment, was the Nuda Verita. Completed in 1899, it pictured a starkly naked red-headed woman holding the mirror of truth. The quotation, "If you cannot please everyone with your deeds and your art, please a few. To please many is bad," was printed above the image.

The most renowned of Klimt paintings in 1902 was the Beethoven Frieze, featuring a monumental, polychromed sculpture by Max Klinger. It was painted directly on the walls using light materials. The face on the Beethoven portrait showed a resemblance to Gustav Mahler, with whom Klimt had a respectful relationship.

Grandma Moses paintings were widely famous nostalgic paintings depicting rural American life. They were internationally recognized and remained popular to this day. The first painting completed by Grandma Moses was done in the farm in Eagle Ridge where she spent the rest of her life starting in 1907.

Grandma Moses paintings consist of simple pictures of family, church and community scenes, extolling the virtues of honesty and hard work. Grandma Moses provided the example for these virtues. Her studio was an old kitchen table placed in a utility room.

Familiar farm life scenes are also often times depicted in Grandma Moses paintings. Stories about apple butter making, soap and maple syrup making, corn husking and candle making can be extracted from them. Her art was something Grandma Moses enjoyed doing which surprising to her, also provided her with some extra money. She insisted on being the same person she was before despite her fame, regardless of the fuss people were making over her.




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