Sunflower

The Sunflower was painted by Gustav Klimt in 1907.  It features a tall sunflower with a luscious green stalk filled with leaves. Bright flowers can be seen poking through the grass underneath, which helps to give depth to the sunflower. The dazzling surface of the surrounding foliage aligns with Klimt's decorative tendencies. It is quite unusual in Klimt's paintings of trees and flowers. Unlike the earlier landscapes from around 1898 to 1902, the painting of sunflowers is no longer concerned with mood; rather, Klimt is fascinated in a more objective way by the organic life that simply exists, independent of human intervention. The geometrical composition of his painting is no longer merely used for decorative effect, but to reinforce the artist's detached observation of the scene while delighting in the opulence and abundance of nature. The shape and leaves of the sunflower are remarkably like the form of the lovers in The Kiss. The two works were exhibited for the first time in 1908 at the Art Show Vienna.

This beautiful painting is featured in our 2022 Monthly DailyArt Calendar—to be honest, it is full of beautiful masterpieces! Check it out here.

P.S. Here are five things that you need to know about Gustav Klimt and his paintings. Enjoy!