Lower Belvedere peels back the layers of paint to reveal the methods behind Gustav Klimt’s art.
- Draws on new technical analysis to explore Klimt’s painting processes
- Includes his legendary use of gold material
- Also reconstructs the lost Faculty Paintings (don’t miss these)
- Gorgeous aesthetics & intriguing insights
- Runs Feb 20 – Sept 7, 2025
- Buy Lower Belvedere tickets*
- See also:
Method and magic
(Gustav Klimt, Water Serpents I, 1904 (minor additions in 1907), infrared reflectography; photo: Belvedere, Vienna)
Arthur C. Clarke’s third law states:
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic
Frankly, great art seems the same. Created by some mystical process involving a dash of genius, a pinch of inspiration, and midnight sacrifices to the Gods of Paint and Light.
But, of course, method lies behind the magic, as numerous art courses will happily demonstrate.
Researchers have also applied various techniques to look deeper into paintings and draw out insights on the methods used by the great artists of history.
Which brings us to the Pigment & Pixel exhibition at Lower Belvedere. It presents eight original Klimt works alongside insights gained from scientific analysis of their composition (in both a material and artistic sense).
(See Klimt’s work in a different light; press photo by and © Johannes Stoll / Belvedere, Vienna)
Techniques like infrared reflectography and x-ray imaging allow us to trace the artistic timeline from rough pencil sketches on the canvas through layers of paint to final alterations.
So we can observe how Klimt’s creative process continued while he painted. For example, Amalie Zuckerkandl’s mouth changed in shape between the underlying drawing and the outcome portrayed in the actual (unfinished) work.
The exhibition also looks at Klimt’s use of gold and other precious metals.
Gustav was not a man to take an inexpensive approach to artistic expression. He applied gold leaf, for example, to create his later iconic works like Judith (on display in the exhibition).
Perhaps the highlight of Pigment & Pixel, though, is the use of AI and a collaboration with Google Arts & Culture to recreate the colours of Klimt’s lost Faculty Paintings (without implying 100% accuracy).
Three astonishing paintings should have found a home on a ceiling in the University of Vienna back around 1900.
(Gustav Klimt, Medicine (Faculty painting), 1901, recolourisation after historical photograph; Belvedere, Vienna / image by Google; graphic design: SCHIENERL D/AD, Vienna)
Unfortunately, conservative elements among various parts of society decided Klimt’s approach erred on the risqué side of art.
The uproar led to the decision not to use the commissioned works for their original purpose. An unimpressed Klimt cancelled the commission and paid back his fee.
These extraordinary works of art subsequently became another victim of Nazi theft and war: fire destroyed them toward the end of WWII. Only black and white photos remain, along with a single colour photo of one small element: the figure of Hygieia from the Medicine painting.
Technology combined with Belvedere expertise and archived contemporary commentary has turned those photos into a colour rendering.
We not only see the results in monumental full-scale reconstructions, but also a reproduction on the ceiling (and mirrored below) of how the paintings would have looked in situ.
The impression is glorious: gifting us the power of time travel and a chance to further admire Klimt’s touch. (And leaving us to regret those reactionary elements who denied generations the chance to experience the same.)
(The installation showcasing the Faculty Paintings; press photo by and © Johannes Stoll / Belvedere, Vienna)
But does all this analysis and technology chip away at the magic and mystery?
Not really…for two reasons.
First, the aesthetics of the exhibition actually present a striking visual impression.
Second, the insights and images create a stronger appreciation for Klimt’s skill.
In particular, close-up views through the microscope almost accentuate the magic…revealing a complexity of dabs, dots, and strokes of different colours and depth that somehow merge to form works of genius.
One presented work does bring a touch of sadness, though. Analysis of Klimt’s 1898 After the Rain landscape shows two chickens in the meadow were painted over.
The life of a chicken is rarely impactful. Yet there you are: poised to be immortalised by one of history’s greatest painters. And then…you’re not.
Dates, tickets & tips
Go behind the canvas (or at least beneath the paint) from February 20th to September 7th, 2025. A ticket for or from Lower Belvedere includes the exhibitions within.
(Booking service provided by Tiqets.com*, who I am an affiliate of)
As a bonus, the corridor outside the gallery has 1:1 reproductions of Klimt’s paintings of flowers and gardens.
From mid-May to early autumn, the gardeners of the Österreichische Bundesgärten apply their artistic magic to bring those same flowers to life in their own botanical reconstruction in the adjoining Kammergarten.
For some of the same period, wander up to Upper Belvedere for another Klimt treat: an exhibition around his unfinished work The Bride. Even if the latter is back in storage, the upper palace also has the permanent exhibition with Klimt’s The Kiss and other works.
For more Klimt in Vienna, try this location guide. A top tip is the Leopold Museum, for example, which also houses paintings by Austria’s most famous artist.
How to get to the Klimts
Lower Belvedere is within walking distance of the centre or jump on the 71 tram (to Unteres Belvedere) or D tram (to Gußhausstraße). For more options and details, check the Belvedere directions article.
Once inside, go through the west wing to the Orangerie for the exhibition.
Address: Rennweg 6, 1030 Vienna