Collectible Description
Gustav Klimt's 'Judith I' (1901) is a striking symbolist painting depicting the biblical heroine, showcasing his signature gold leaf and eroticism. Explore its rich symbolism & artistic legacy.
Artist Biography
Gustav Klimt was an Art Nouveau master known for The Kiss. Explore his shimmering golden phase and iconic portraits today.
Hand Made Oil Reproduction
Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. ( Switch to Print
Switch to Digital Image)
More about this painting
Order your painting in four simple steps
Take your time. You can change any answer; the price in your order card follows each choice.
1 Step one of four
Which size would you like?
These sizes keep the proportions of the original painting. The drawing shows your choice on a wall, above a two-metre sofa.
Or give your own measurements
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. This is hand-painted, so for a size with a different shape the artist can paint a bit more around the picture, or cut a bit — you choose. We send you a digital mockup to approve before the painting starts. The picture shown on this page does not show the real result — only the mockup does.
2 Step two of four
How should it be prepared: rolled, stretched or framed?
The prices below are for the size you chose in step one.
Choose the edges of the stretched canvas
Choose your frame
White $1
Blurside $1
Extended $1
P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8
H24-GOLD $30
H24-SILVER $30
H36-GOLD $45
H36-SILVER $45
Framed
Moulding: . Overall size with the frame: .
3 Step three of four
Would you like anything changed in the painting?
Most people answer no. Because each painting is made by hand, our artist can also adapt it for you.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview
4 Step four of four
A few finishing options
All of them are optional. The answers already selected cost nothing extra.
Who paints it?
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (4 November). No compromise on quality.
A nameplate, as in a museum?
Engraved Bronze Plaque Details
This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.
It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.
Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details
The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.
It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.
Black Acrylic Plaque Details
This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.
The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.
A protective varnish?
When do you need it?
✓ Check and order
Your painting, as you ordered it
Judith01
Reproduction Medium
Reproduction Size
-
Elite Senior Artist
More detail, finesse, and extra production time
-
Reproduction Frame
-
-
For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a kit, disassembled. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.
Professional assembly required - this is not a DIY product.
The kit must be assembled and the canvas stretched by an experienced professional framer, using wood glue (not supplied), a canvas stretching plier and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries. Incorrect assembly or uneven canvas tension can permanently damage the artwork and is not covered by our warranty.
All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.
Assembled with the screws provided, plus wood glue for the corner joints, which is not supplied and must be sourced by your framer.
Professional tools are required and not included: a canvas stretching plier (tensioner) and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries.
Important:
The corner joints require wood glue, the bars must be held with clamps until the glue is fully dry, and tightening the canvas on the assembled frame requires a canvas stretching plier. None of these are included in the kit. Please arrange an experienced professional framer before ordering this size.
Nameplate
-
-
Protective Varnish
Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)
-
Customize My Artwork
Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
-
Urgent
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (4 November). No compromise on quality.
-
Express Shipping
Worldwide Delivery () in 5 weeks. (11 November).
Included
Total Price
$ 263
Included with every order
- Free Worldwide Express Shipping
- High-Quality Linen Canvas
- Full Shipping Insurance
- Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
- True Color Matching Guarantee
- 100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
- 100% Money-Back Guarantee
- Bulk Discount Offer
A Glimpse of Divine Fury: Gustav Klimt’s Judith I
Gustav Klimt's 1901 painting, *Judith I*, isn’t merely a depiction of a biblical scene; it’s an immersion into the heart of Viennese Symbolism, a potent blend of eroticism, psychological depth, and opulent artistry. Far removed from the traditional heroic portrayals of Judith slaying Holofernes, Klimt presents us with a woman consumed by a complex interplay of triumph, vulnerability, and perhaps even a touch of unsettling allure. This isn’t a victory parade; it's a moment suspended in time, pregnant with unspoken narratives and shadowed emotions.
The genesis of this arresting image lies within Klimt’s fascination with the female form – a recurring motif throughout his oeuvre. He deliberately eschewed conventional narrative, instead focusing on capturing the essence of Judith herself. The painting is less about the act of decapitation and more about the aftermath: the woman holding the severed head, her gaze locked in an intense dialogue with the viewer. This directness, this refusal to shy away from confronting the audience, was revolutionary for its time and immediately sparked controversy within Viennese artistic circles.
The Art Nouveau Embrace
Klimt’s style is instantly recognizable – a masterful synthesis of influences ranging from Japanese woodblock prints to the decorative arts. *Judith I* exemplifies his “golden phase,” characterized by lavish use of gold leaf, intricate patterns, and flowing lines that evoke both sensuality and spirituality. The painting's surface shimmers with an almost otherworldly radiance, drawing the eye into a world of rich textures and symbolic details. This technique wasn’t simply decorative; it was integral to Klimt’s exploration of themes like beauty, desire, and mortality.
The composition itself is meticulously constructed. The swirling patterns in the background – reminiscent of Byzantine mosaics and Islamic textiles – create a sense of dynamism and movement, mirroring the turmoil within Judith's psyche. These intricate designs aren’t merely ornamental; they serve as visual metaphors for the complexities of human experience, hinting at hidden desires and unresolved conflicts.
A Portrait of Power and Vulnerability
At the heart of the painting is Judith herself – a figure both powerful and vulnerable. Her posture exudes confidence, her gaze unwavering, yet there’s an undeniable fragility in her expression. The heavy gold choker that encircles her neck isn't just jewelry; it’s a symbol of her victory, but also a visual reminder of the price she has paid. The dark fabric draped around her body creates a sense of mystery and concealment, while simultaneously highlighting her form.
Notice the subtle details: the slight curve of her lips, the delicate shading on her face, the way her hand gently rests upon the head of Holofernes. These are not gestures of triumph; they’re expressions of contemplation, perhaps even regret. Klimt masterfully avoids sentimentality, allowing the viewer to interpret Judith's emotions for themselves.
Symbolism and Legacy
*Judith I* is rich in symbolic meaning. The severed head itself represents both victory and loss – a testament to Judith’s courage but also a reminder of the violence inherent in her actions. The gold leaf, a signature element of Klimt's work, symbolizes divinity, wealth, and immortality. The painting has been interpreted as an allegory for female empowerment, a meditation on desire and sacrifice, or simply a profound exploration of the human condition.
Today, *Judith I* remains one of Klimt’s most celebrated works, captivating audiences with its arresting beauty and psychological depth. It's a painting that invites contemplation, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, desire, and the complexities of human experience. Reproductions offer a chance to bring this extraordinary artwork into your own space, allowing you to immerse yourself in Klimt’s visionary world.
- Artist: Gustav Klimt
- Year: 1901
- Medium: Oil on Canvas
- Location: Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, Vienna
Questions & Answers
Where does "Judith01" sit within Gustav Klimt's body of work?
Within Gustav Klimt's output, "Judith01" sits in the Art Nouveau style, alongside the themes of japanese art, symbolism, art nouveau, key work in klimt's golden phase, exploration of female form, challenge to societal norms, biblical narrative, female power.
What luminance does "Judith01" by Gustav Klimt have?
"Judith01" by Gustav Klimt has a soft shadow luminance. Luminance describes how much light the colors appear to reflect.
When was "Judith01" created, and to which movement does it belong?
"Judith01" by Gustav Klimt is dated 1901 and belongs to Art Nouveau.
Related Artworks
Gustav Klimt
1862 - 1918, Austria
Artist Biography
A Life Forged in Gold and Shadow
Born on July 14, 1862, in Baumgarten, near Vienna, Gustav Klimt entered a world where the boundaries of art and craft were intimately linked. His father, Ernst Klimt, worked as a gold engraver, a profession that left an indelible mark on his son’s visual language. The young Gustav learned to appreciate the weight of precious metals and the precision of fine detail long before he ever held a brush. This early exposure to the luster of gold leaf would later define his most famous period. Despite the financial hardships that forced his family through frequent moves within Vienna, his talent was undeniable. By 1876, he had entered the Vienna Kunstgewerbeschule, focusing on architectural painting under Ferdinand Laufberger.
His early professional years were marked by a steady, academic success. Alongside his brother Ernst and Franz von Matsch, Klimt formed a partnership that secured essential commissions for decorative murals and ceilings. These works required a disciplined hand and an eye for large-scale ornamentation. He found himself working on significant projects, such as the staircases of the Burgtheater in Vienna, earning the Gold Cross of Merit from Emperor Franz Joseph I. During this time, he looked toward the historical styles of Hans Makart, yet a restless energy was already beginning to stir beneath his formal training.
The Rebellion of the Secession
By the late 1890s, the constraints of the Viennese academic establishment had become stifling. Klimt sought a space where innovation could exist outside the rigid dictates of tradition. In 1897, he became the first president of the Vienna Secession, a movement designed to embrace new currents like Art Nouveau, Symbolism, and Japonism. This was an era of profound change, and Klimt stood at its center. He rejected the heavy, historical academicism in favor of organic lines and symbolic depth. His work began to explore the complexities of human intimacy, sexuality, and mortality with a frankness that often unsettled the conservative public.
This period of defiance brought both significant friction and profound creative growth. A notable instance occurred around 1900, when his commissions for the University of Vienna ceiling paintings—specifically Philosophy—were criticized as being too provocative. The backlash was severe enough that Klimt eventually withdrew from further public commissions, choosing instead to focus on private patronage. This shift allowed him to refine a more personal, decorative style. He drew heavily from the flattened perspectives and patterned aesthetics of Japanese art, integrating these elements into compositions that blurred the distinction between fine painting and ornamental design.
The Golden Era and Final Transitions
Around 1900, Klimt entered his most recognizable phase, often called his golden period. Inspired by the mosaics of Ravenna and medieval manuscripts, he began using gold leaf to create surfaces that seemed to radiate their own light. Works such as The Kiss (1907-1908) demonstrate this mastery, featuring figures enveloped in a shimmering, patterned aura. His portraits from this time, including the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, captured more than mere physical likeness; they conveyed a psychological weight through the use of intricate, mosaic-like textures.
As his life drew toward its end, Klimt’s style underwent another subtle transformation. The heavy ornamentation of the golden phase began to give way to a more restrained and angular aesthetic. In works completed in 1918, such as The Jurisprudence, there is a move toward expressive simplification and sharper lines, perhaps reflecting the influence of the burgeoning Expressionist movement. His final years were marked by this continued evolution, even as he faced the physical toll of the Spanish Flu pandemic. He passed away on February 6, 1918, leaving behind a body of work that fundamentally altered the trajectory of Austrian modernism.




For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a kit, disassembled. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.



