In autumn 2022, the Van Gogh Museum presents the exhibition Golden Boy Gustav Klimt. Inspired by Van Gogh, Rodin, Matisse... about the artist Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) and the many artists who inspired him.

Gustav Klimt is world-famous for his golden and decorative paintings and his portraits of strong women. But who was this ‘golden boy’, and what is the story behind his talent? You perhaps know Klimt’s work, but have you actually seen it?

Discover how Gustav Klimt developed his unique style and gleaned inspiration from the Western European modern art of his time.

New research has revealed which artists influenced Klimt and which artists he liked. But also which artworks were on display at exhibitions at the time – including those of pioneering art society the Vienna Secession, of which Klimt was the chairperson. Numerous new impulses transformed Klimt’s Vienna from a sleepy city into a buzzing metropolis.

For his versatile art, Klimt was inspired by the work of famous predecessors including Van Gogh, Rodin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet, and Matisse. This fascinating exhibition shows Klimt’s work alongside paintings by his favourite artists. Iconic masterpieces Dozens of iconic masterpieces by Klimt are on display in this large-scale exhibition: from decorative landscape paintings and powerful figure drawings to monumental, colourful female portraits such as Emilie Flöge (1902) and spectacular paintings such as Water Serpents II (1904/1906-07).

Golden Boy Gustav Klimt. Inspired by Van Gogh, Rodin, Matisse… is a remarkable opportunity to get to know this renowned artist!