Artistic atmosphere

In Vienna, two main artistic movements coexisted: historicism and modernism or Art Nouveau, representing opposing thoughts and approaches.

Historicism focused on the elegance, knowledge, and sobriety of history, which is why it was profoundly influenced by Egyptian and Greco-Roman cultures in the construction of new buildings. This movement was significant among art educational institutions and was foundational to Gustav Klimt’s formative years. His early artistic career was particularly influenced by this style. Historicism emerged in the 18th century as a response to counter the excessive decorative Rococo and the last remnants of Baroque.

On the other hand, Art Nouveau, a revolutionary movement that broke with academic protocol, was experiencing a significant boom across Europe. In Spain, the main exponent was the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, while in Austria it became known as the Vienna Secession. This movement aimed to encompass all the arts, influenced by Wagner’s ideas, and replacing straight lines with curved shapes. Art Nouveau artists began to incorporate nature’s shapes into their works and express themselves in more unique ways.