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

Gustav Klimt (1862, Baumgarten near Vienna – Vienna, 1918) Study of a Seated Nude Child Black chalk on chamois-colored vellum. (c. 1882). Approx. 35.5 x 25 cm. On the reverse, additional very delicate fragmentary nude sketches. Handwritten “51” on the reverse. The work is listed in the online catalog of works of the Albertina, Vienna, under the number “GKZ3742.” In this sketch sheet, we gain insight into Klimt’s creative process: the focus here is not on a finished drawing, but on the search for the ideal detail. Provenance: From the artist’s estate, bearing the stamp (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).