Jongensportret
1885
Before he became famous for his golden, swirling masterpieces, Gustav Klimt's older brother Ernst was making a name for himself with charming academic portraits like this one. Painted in 1885, it features a solemn little boy with a perfect bowl cut, dressed in a heavily braided beige tunic adorned with massive black bows. He stands stiffly beside an ornate, red velvet chair, looking every bit the serious Victorian child who knows better than to fidget. It's a delightful glimpse into the early career of the Klimt family, showcasing the traditional, realistic style that Ernst mastered before his untimely death.