Polar Stampede, 1960 © Pollock-Krasner Foundation (1960/1960) by Lee Krasner and The Pollock-Krasner FoundationBarbican Centre
All great artists learn and evolve over time, and few things illustrate that as well as the contrast of old and new work. Some painters refine their techniques, others depart one style and reinvent another. Scroll to see the preliminary and subsequent works of famous artists!
Seated Young Girl (1894) by Gustav KlimtLeopold Museum
Gustav Klimt
Austrian painter Gustav Klimt was born in 1862 and began his career as an artist as a young man. Like this 1894 piece, Seated Young Girl, much of his early work was marked by exceptional realism and attention to detail.
Portrait of Friedericke Maria Beer (1916) by Gustav KlimtTel Aviv Museum of Art
While his meticulous execution remained intact, Klimt's style departed wildly from his true-to-life beginnings. This 1916 portrait of Friedericke Maria Beer exemplifies his symbolism and Japanese influence.
Boy on a Ram (1786/87) by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (Spanish, 1746–1828)The Art Institute of Chicago
Francisco Goya
Similar to Klimt, Francisco Goya's artistic journey began with commercial work and realistic paintings, like this cheery oil cartoon he created in the 1780s.
Monk Talking to an Old Woman (1824/1825) by Francisco José de Goya y LucientesPrinceton University Art Museum
Goya's long and storied life led to his creation of this minuscule painting on a two inch square of ivory. The color and content of Goya's work became darker throughout his life. Would you have guessed the same person painted both these pieces?
Self-Portrait, c. 1928 © Pollock-Krasner Foundation (1928/1928) by Lee Krasner and The Pollock-Krasner FoundationBarbican Centre
Lee Krasner
American artist Lee Krasner is famous for vibrant, abstract pieces, but this 1928 self-portrait echoes post-impressionists like Van Gogh. Soon after, though, Krasner's style became almost unrecognizably different.
Palingenesis (1971) by Lee KrasnerBarbican Centre
She was a pioneer among abstract expressionists and experimented with a variety of other mediums throughout her long career. More indicative of Krasner's other work, this piece, Palingenesis, was created in 1971.
Self-portrait wearing a velvet dress (1926) by Frida KahloMuseo Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo
Self-portraits comprise a great deal of Frida Kahlo's work, and this early example illustrates just how fully-realized her symbolism and artistic prowess were even at the beginning of her career. Compare this 1926 painting to the following one. What changed and what remained?
Marxism Will Give Health to the Ill (1954) by Frida KahloMuseo Frida Kahlo
Kahlo's later work continued to explore similar themes and prove her inventiveness, like this 1954 self-portrait alongside symbols of healthcare and the face of political philosopher, Karl Marx. What other artists can you think of whose works evolved over time?
