Mythological analysis of symbols in Gustav Klimt’s works

Abstract

This research provides a roadmap for understanding the mythological origins of the symbols in Klimt’s works. In the research, the works of Gustav Klimt, Pallas Athena (1898), Judith and the Head of Holofernes (1901), Portrait of Adele Block-Bauer 1 (1903-1907) and Hygeia (1907) were examined contextually. The works, the most frequently repeated mythological references and the mythological narratives on which these references are based, the female figures in the works and the mythological female characters they are associated with, the most frequently repeated symbols and the relationship of these symbols with mythology were examined. Content analysis method was used in the research, and the data obtained through the relevant literature review was evaluated. The research was limited to the artist’s works on mythology and women’s themes. The research offers new perspectives on how Klimt’s art can be evaluated both within the cultural and social context of his time and within today’s understanding of art. As a result of the research, a better understanding of the structure of symbolism in Klimt’s works has been achieved, and the analyses made from a mythological perspective have revealed the depths of Klimt’s works and shown that the artist touched on universal themes that extended beyond his own time. According to the research results, Klimt was greatly inspired by the mythological elements of different cultures in his paintings. He mostly included symbols and myths from Greek and Japanese mythology in his paintings. When we look at the context of the subject, we see that he frequently uses the theme of women. It can be said that it can be a suggestion for different researches, especially in terms of choosing goddess figures rather than God depictions in mythology.