Klimt's Painting of Sonja Knips

The portrait of Sonja Knips is Klimt's first masterpiece in the new Art Nouveau style. It was first presented to the public at the 2nd Exhibition of the Vienna Secession in November/December 1898.

The most novel aspect of this piece is the soft, delicate application of paint which blurs the contours slightly, similar to a pastel painting. This gives the picture a mysterious and almost reverie-like quality.

Another novel aspect is the square picture format which brings balance and calmness to the portrait's composition.

Klimt shows Sonja Knips sitting in an armchair, her upper body bent slightly forward.

Her left hand is propped up on the armrest, as if she is about to stand up.

Sonja Knips looks directly into the eyes of the viewer. Her gaze is particularly emphasized by fine highlights in her eyes and has a mysterious aura.

Klimt put a lot of care and attention into reproducing the magnificent silk dress of the model with finely juxtaposed brushstrokes.

In 1898, art writer Ludwig Hevesi especially admired the following about this painting: "the trickling pink of the seated young lady, his first portrait in this intentional newfangled manner."

Above the head of Sonja Knips is a magnificent bouquet of lilies reaching the top edge of the painting. Klimt painted these with great care. With the exception of these flowers, the entire portrait background is kept dark and not characterized further.

Sonja Knips holds a small book bound in red leather in her right hand. It is a sketchbook with drawings by Gustav Klimt.