664 - Gustav Klimt (1862, Baumgarten near Vienna – Vienna, 1918)

Gustav Klimt (1862, Baumgarten near Vienna – Vienna, 1918) Child suckling at the breast, detailed studies of a child; at the bottom, a small sketch of a child with a violin bow Pencil and red chalk on plain, slightly grayish drawing paper. (Circa 1882/83). Approx. 45 × 32 cm. Strobl 52. These sketches were created in connection with the studies for “Youth.” In this sketch sheet, we gain insight into Klimt’s creative process: the focus here is not on a polished drawing, but on the search for the ideal detail. Provenance: From the artist’s estate, stamped on the reverse (Lugt 1575), passed by inheritance to Johanna Zimpel, née Klimt (1873–1950), the artist’s sister, Vienna; likely passed by inheritance in 1950 to the Rudolf Zimpel Collection (1898–1984), Vienna, the artist’s nephew; stamped on the reverse (not listed in Lugt); subsequently passed by inheritance and remained in the family’s possession, Vienna; Private collection, Austria, acquired from the aforementioned owner. Taxation: subject to margin scheme (VAT: Margin Scheme).