Gustav Klimt

Art Nouveau painter

Modern influential 59 sayings

Sayings by Gustav Klimt

There is no self-portrait of myself. I am not interested in my own person as a subject for painting, but rather in others, especially women, and, more than that, in other appearances.

c. 1908 — Letter to a friend, likely responding to a request for a self-portrait.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I can paint and draw. I do not talk about it. It is my gift. I do not know how other people feel, but I know how I feel and what I do.

Early 20th century — Reported statement, reflecting his reticence to discuss his work.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

All art is erotic.

Early 20th century — General statement about the nature of art, often attributed to him.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Whoever wants to know something about me as an artist, which is the only thing that matters, should look carefully at my pictures and try to see in them what I am and what I want.

c. 1908 — Statement often quoted, expressing his belief that his work spoke for itself.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

When I am in my studio, I am in another world. I am free to do what I want. I am free to think what I want. I am free to be what I want.

Early 20th century — Reported statement, highlighting his dedication to his artistic space.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have never painted a self-portrait. I am less interested in myself as a subject for painting than I am in other people, above all women, but other subjects are more interesting to me.

c. 1908 — Slight variation of a common quote, emphasizing his focus.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If you don't like it, you don't have to look at it.

c. 1900-1903 — Reported response to critics of his work, particularly the 'Faculty Paintings'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a painter, who has painted a series of pictures. I don't know what else I am.

Early 20th century — Reported statement, indicating his singular focus on his art.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Art is a line around your thoughts.

Early 20th century — Aphorism, often attributed to him.
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I want to be an artist. I want to paint. I want to be free.

Late 19th century — Reported aspiration from his youth.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I believe that the most important thing for an artist is to be true to himself.

Early 20th century — Reported statement, reflecting his artistic integrity.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have nothing to say about myself as a person.

Early 20th century — Reported statement, emphasizing his desire for his art to speak for itself.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

There are always two sides to everything, the good and the bad. The good is always more beautiful.

Early 20th century — Aphorism, often attributed to him.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Truth is a torch that gleams through the fog without dispelling it.

Early 20th century — Aphorism, often attributed to him.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have spent my whole life painting. I have nothing else to say.

Early 20th century — Reported statement, summarizing his dedication.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Art is a sanctuary from the world.

Early 20th century — Aphorism, often attributed to him.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

My work is not for everyone. It is for those who understand.

Early 20th century — Reported statement, acknowledging the niche appeal of his avant-garde work.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am not interested in myself.

c. 1908 — Concise version of his often-repeated sentiment about self-portraits.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a silent painter. I do not talk about my work.

Early 20th century — Reported statement, emphasizing his quiet artistic process.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The artist is a creator, not a commentator.

Early 20th century — Aphorism, often attributed to him.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable