Description:
"The Three Ages of Woman" was Klimt's first large-scale private allegory, and the first to abandon entirely the use of historical or mythological symbolism. Prior to this, he had painted smaller, less complex allegories, such as "Judih I" for a private audience, but his bigger, multi-figure panels had always been intended for public display. "The Three Ages of Woman" thus stands halfway between earlier commissions like the University paintings and the large allegorical canvases of the artist's last years. Even the individual characters look backward as well as forward: All three woman may be discerned in "Medicine" and in altered form, in "Death and Life." During this time, he became absorbed with the subject after the death of his baby son, Otto in 1902. It is also significant that as in his previous 'private' allegories, Klimt concentrated his attentions exclusively on the female figure. The painting presents its elemental message- "in life we are in death"- not only through the three principal characters, but also via a complex network of adjunct symbols. Like the "Water Serpents I," the women are encapsulated in a sea of baubles representative of the life force. However, now this column of life is isolated within a surrounding void, which, despite the touch of Klimt's decorating hand, offers a far gloomier, more barren environment than the teeming cocoon within which the protagonists rest. Death- here, as in other paintings by Klimt, represented by the color blue- awaits ominously on the horizon, winding its gossamer threads even about the legs of the innocent young mother.
You are viewing a giclee print. Each piece was created by a special process called "Giclee". Giclee is a computer generated print that is produced by the spraying of an image on to fine art paper. The inks used are specially formulated so that the fine print heads can spurt jets of ink in minute droplets. When prints are produced on fine art quality paper, the print should posses archival standards of permanence comparable or better than other collectible work.
You are viewing a hand colored print. The process begins with hand-pulled black & white decorative and antique reproduction prints. Each print is then individually designed and hand colored using the same methods of color application that were used throughout the 19th century, before modern color lithography. Individual artists meticulously paint each piece using the finest European watercolor paints on heavy mat, acid free, archival paper resistant to deterioration and discoloration. By combining old world craftsmanship with fresh design innovations, our artists create works of stunning depth and vibrancy that are absolutely beautiful and unique.
Limited editions are a series of identical prints, which are limited to a one-time printing of a certain number of pieces. The artist determines the size of the edition, and usually signs and numbers each individual piece. Limited edition prints framed by the Fulcrum Gallery are handled separately and given the utmost individual care and attention, using archival framing materials and practices. Because limited editions are in limited supply, and are of exceptionally high quality, the price is generally at a premium to regular open edition prints.
