Gustav Klimt

Adele Bloch-Bauer, Vienna (a gift from the artist)
Luisa Gattin, Vienna (by descent from the above, her aunt)
Private Collection, Austria (sale: Sotheby's, London, 24th March 1998, lot 73)
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Alice Strobl, Gustav Klimt, die Zeichnungen Nachtrag 1878-1918, Salzburg, 1989, no. 3531, illustrated p. 134

Executed on cream wove paper, not laid down, t-hinged to the mount at the upper and lower left edge, with two remnants of tape to the reverse of the sheet on its left upper and lower edge. The sheet is time-stained and could benefit from a light clean. The left, right and lower edges are slightly unevenly cut. There are two diagonal creases along the upper left corner, the longest of which measures about 20cm and possibly relates to a previous fold. A few very minor creases along the lower left corner. There is mount-staining along the left extreme edge and not visible when framed. This work is in overall good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This work is a study for the portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer, a celebrated muse and patron to the artist.