Georg Klimt Vienna Secession Pair Art Nouveau Relief Panels, 1900s

A fine pair of Viennese Secession Art Nouveau relief panels by Georg Klimt (1867–1931), Vienna, around 1900. Two idealized heads in strict profile gaze at each other, recalling ancient Greek coins and reliefs and expressing dignity and timeless beauty. Each wears a laurel wreath, the classic symbol of triumph, wisdom and success, set against a dense background of leaves and ivy. It softens the severity of the profile and ties the figure to the floral ornament typical of Jugendstil. Executed in copper, finely chased and chiselled, in very good original condition with a beautiful patina.

Georg Klimt, the youngest brother of Gustav Klimt, was renowned for his fine metalwork, which shows influences of the Viennese Secession and the Glasgow School. Alongside a number of everyday objects, he primarily created hand-crafted metal reliefs, both as independent works of art and as decorative panels for furniture. Many were commissioned by first-class Viennese cabinetmakers such as Michael Niedermoser and August Ungethüm. Professionally and elegantly framed. Picture size: 9.5 × 7.5" Frame size: 13.25 × 11.25"