This exhibition explores the fascinating dialogue between Gustav Klimt´s work and classical art. A selection of examples from the artist´s oeuvre illustrates a fundamental shift in his understanding of antiquity. Whereas his early work, influenced by Historicism, reveals an interest in the details of classical art, after 1900 he translated the spirit of antiquity into his own formal language. The exhibition illustrates this development through juxtaposing Klimt´s work with classical vase painting and casts of sculptures that inspired the artist.

In the years around 1900, the multi-ethnic realm of the Habsburg Monarchy experienced a lively exchange of art and culture between Vienna, its center, and the main cities of the Crown lands such as Zagreb. For the development of Croatian art around the turn of the century, this exchange was very significant. In the exhibition, the connections and points of reference at the start of the twentieth century are presented by key works of Austrian and Croatian artists of that period.

The exhibition is a cooperation with the Klovi?evi dvori Gallery, Zagreb, Croatia.