Adele Bloch-Bauer Portraits Gustav Klimt

Adele Bloch-Bauer I painted by Gustav Klimt

The 2 oil paintings by Gustav Klimt of Adele Bloch-Bauer, who was the wife of wealthy Austrian-Jewish industrialist Ferdinand Bloch, became controversial because of the seizure by the Nazis during World War II. The paintings were displayed in the Austrian State Gallery who were reluctant to turn it over to the Bloch heirs.

It took more than 60 years for the paintings to be returned to the Bloch heirs led by Maria Altmann who in turn sold the the paintings thru Christie's. The paintings are considered 2 of the most expensive paintings ever sold. The portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I was sold for US$135 million to Ronald Lauder. It is now displayed in Lauder's Neue Galerie in New York City. The Adele Bloch-Bauer II painting was sold for US$88 million to another buyer.

Adele Bloch-Bauer II by Gustav Klimt

My favorite between the two is the first portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer, it was masterfully and tastefully done. The colors are very vibrant and whenever I look at it it seemed that Klimt used gold to paint the portrait. It's overwhelmingly beautiful and I can't seem to comprehend how the artist created this work of art.

 I hope I can get the chance to see the actual paintings and I know that it will be an unforgettable experience.