Water Serpents – Gustav Klimt

Gustav Klimt’s Water Serpents II: Sensuality, Myth, and Controversy

Creator: Gustav Klimt
Date: 1904–1907
Medium: Oil on canvas
Theme: Sensuality, female bodies, and veiled representations of same-sex relationships

Gustav Klimt’s Water Serpents II is a masterpiece that transcends traditional depictions of mythological themes. Infused with sensuality, intertwined figures, and historical intrigue, the painting is as captivating for its aesthetic brilliance as for its complex and controversial journey through history.

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Artistic Context: Mythology Meets Eroticism

Water Serpents II is part of a series by Klimt that explores the fluidity and mystique of water nymphs. This theme appears in earlier works like Moving Water, Medicine, and Water Serpents I.

The painting depicts four intertwined nude female figures, their ethereal beauty complemented by the use of gold accents, characteristic of Klimt’s style. While the painting can be interpreted as a traditional depiction of mythical water nymphs, it also carries an underlying narrative of female sensuality and intimacy.

“The painting can be seen as a non-controversial portrayal of mythical figures, which had been common in art for centuries. But it has also been interpreted as a depiction of a lesbian orgy.”

One figure, with her pubic hair visible, locks a provocative gaze with the viewer, a detail reminiscent of Manet’s Olympia. This deliberate sensuality invites interpretation beyond mythology, hinting at themes of forbidden love and same-sex relationships.

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A Tumultuous Journey Through History

Nazi Looting:
During World War II, Water Serpents II was confiscated by the Nazis from its Jewish owner, Jenny Steiner. This marked the beginning of its controversial and convoluted history.

Post-War Ownership:
The painting passed into the possession of Nazi filmmaker Gustav Ucicky, rumored to be Klimt’s illegitimate son, and later his wife, Ursula. Considered lost for decades, it re-emerged in the 21st century, sparking debates about its rightful ownership and restitution.

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The Controversial Sale and the “Bouvier Affair”

In 2013, the painting was sold by Ursula Ucicky, with proceeds split between her and the heirs of Jenny Steiner. The sale drew criticism over allegations of price inflation by art broker Yves Bouvier, a central figure in the infamous “Bouvier Affair.”

“Rybolovlev later alleged that Bouvier did not disclose he was the owner of the painting and instead made it seem like the painting was owned by a third party, supposedly enabling him to inflate the selling price.”

The painting was sold again in 2015 to an undisclosed buyer, rumored to be either a Qatari princess or an Asian collector.

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Modern Exhibitions and Market Value

Water Serpents II continues to captivate audiences, recently exhibited at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam (October 2022 – February 2023) and the Belvedere Museum in Vienna (from February 2023).

As of December 2019, the painting holds the distinction of being the 6th most expensive artwork in the world and the most expensive work by Klimt ever sold.

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Ethical Complexities and Broader Implications

The journey of Water Serpents II sheds light on broader issues in the art world, including the restitution of Nazi-looted art and the ethical responsibilities of collectors and institutions. Its association with the “Bouvier Affair” further underscores the challenges of transparency in high-stakes art transactions.

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Conclusion: A Masterpiece Shrouded in Mystery

Gustav Klimt’s Water Serpents II is more than an exquisite painting—it is a symbol of the complexities of art, history, and ownership. Its beauty lies not only in its artistic brilliance but also in the layers of meaning and controversy it carries. From its mythological inspiration to its modern-day intrigue, Water Serpents II stands as a testament to Klimt’s ability to merge sensuality, symbolism, and the enduring allure of the human form.

Further Exploration:

• Investigate Klimt’s broader themes of sensuality and intimacy.
• Examine the implications of the “Bouvier Affair” on art transactions.
• Delve into the ethical complexities of recovering Nazi-looted art.