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Discovering Gustav Klimt's Early Career: Apprenticeship of a Genius Exhibition at MAK Vienna

Gain insights into Klimt's artistic development and his contributions to Viennese Art Nouveau design.

Delve into the early career of Gustav Klimt at the MAK – Museum for Applied Arts in Vienna. This exhibition highlights his formative years, including his training under Ferdinand Laufberger and his involvement in significant historical events. Explore original design sketches for the iconic Brussels Palais Stoclet and understand Klimt's pivotal role in Viennese Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements. The extensive archives of the Wiener Werkstätte enrich the narrative, offering a comprehensive look at this influential period.

About Apprenticeship of a Genius at Am Hof Square in Vienna

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Apprenticeship of a Genius at Am Hof Square in Vienna

Exhibition summary

This exhibition at the MAK - Museum for Applied Arts, Vienna, delves into the early career of Gustav Klimt, highlighting his apprenticeship under Ferdinand Laufberger and his participation in significant historical events. It showcases his design sketches for the Brussels Palais Stoclet, offering insights into Viennese Art Nouveau.

Curatorial context

The MAK - Museum for Applied Arts, Vienna, presents 'Apprenticeship of a Genius,' an exhibition focusing on the formative years of Gustav Klimt. From 1876 to 1883, Klimt honed his craft as a decoration painter under Ferdinand Laufberger. The exhibition also touches upon his involvement in historical events, such as the 1879 gala parade celebrating Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. A key highlight is the display of nine design sketches created by Klimt between 1905 and 1909 for the mosaic frieze at the Brussels Palais Stoclet, a masterpiece by Art Nouveau architect Josef Hoffmann. These works exemplify the rich ideas and forms of Viennese Art Nouveau and Art Deco, reflecting the aesthetic power of the era. The MAK's extensive archives of the Wiener Werkstätte, acquired in 1955, further enrich the understanding of this period, with continuous exhibitions of furniture, fashion, textiles, books, ceramics, and glass by prominent artists like Adolf Loos, Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser, and Dagobert Peche. Visitors can gain fascinating insights into the artistic milieu of Vienna during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. The exhibition connects Klimt's early training with his later iconic works, demonstrating his artistic evolution. The MAK Shop offers decorative reproductions of Klimt’s sketches for the Stoclet Frieze, allowing visitors to take a piece of this artistic heritage home. The museum itself serves as a vital institution for understanding the breadth of Viennese applied arts, with its comprehensive collection and ongoing exhibitions that celebrate both historical masters and contemporary design.

Admission and ticket notes

Standard ticket prices are €19.00 on-site or €18.00 online, with a 21% discount available through the Vienna City Card. Admission is free for individuals under 19 years of age. Additional discounts may apply at the MAK Design Shop.

Apprenticeship of a Genius key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Apprenticeship of a Genius at Am Hof Square in Vienna

Venue
Am Hof Square
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
Information not currently available
Artist line / attribution
Featuring the early works and development of Gustav Klimt, with mentions of his teacher Ferdinand Laufberger and his participation in collaborations initiated by Hans Makart. The exhibition also contextualizes his work within the contributions of other Viennese Art Nouveau artists and craftsmen from the Wiener Werkstätte, such as Josef Hoffmann, Adolf Loos, Koloman Moser, and Dagobert Peche.
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