Expectation (from the Stoclet Frieze)
Painting on panel • Gustav Klimt
Style & Movement
Vienna Secession / Art Nouveau (Jugendstil)
Medium & Technique
Oil, gold leaf, and silver on silver-plated, copper-engrossed gesso on wood panel
Creation Period
1905-1909
Dimensions & Format
Vertical format, approximately 195 cm x 102 cm (central panel of the frieze)
Subject Description
A female figure in profile, reminiscent of Egyptian or Byzantine art, standing before a dense background of swirling golden spirals known as the tree of life. The figure wears an elaborate garment patterned with triangles and multi-colored geometric mosaics, symbolizing anticipation and yearning.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Museum-grade preservation; Good to Excellent in the context of its permanent institutional housing.
Estimated Market Value
Not applicable (Institutional masterpiece, priceless / estimated well over 100 million USD if traded)
Auction Estimate
Not applicable (Held in public museum trust)
Provenance History
Commissioned by Adolphe Stoclet for the Palais Stoclet in Brussels, Belgium. Acquired by the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna in 1961.
Art Historical Significance
A crowning achievement of Klimt's Golden Phase and a pivotal masterpiece of the Vienna Secession, exemplifying the integration of fine art and decorative design in total work of art (Gesamtkunstwerk) philosophy.
Notable Features
Extensive use of genuine gold leaf, intricate mosaic-like patterning, stylized tree of life motifs, and integration of metal leaf on gesso.
Condition Issues
Stable, minor historical craquelure consistent with age, delicate gold leaf surfaces requiring strict climate control.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain stable relative humidity (45-50%), regulated low-lux museum lighting, and dust-free sealed framing.