Born in Baumgarten, near Vienna, Klimt received his formal training at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts. He began his career as a successful painter of architectural decorations in a conventional academic style, but his work underwent a radical shift as he became a central figure in the formation of the Vienna Secession in 1897, a group that broke away from the conservative artistic establishment.

Klimt is celebrated for his signature Golden Phase, characterized by the extensive use of gold leaf and intricate, mosaic-like patterns. His work frequently explored themes of eroticism, allegory, and the human condition, often blending naturalistic portraiture with highly stylized, ornamental backgrounds. His influence extended to the development of Art Nouveau in Europe, and his mastery of line and composition remains a cornerstone of early 20th-century modernism.

Today, Klimt's legacy continues to be a focal point of international institutional interest. Recent developments, such as the acquisition of his works by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and collaborative exhibitions between the Wiener Secession and international partners, underscore his enduring significance in the history of Austrian Expressionism and the broader European avant-garde.