Genius with a Basket of Flowers

Ernst Klimt, Vienna, 1885, glue tempera
The Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc, Rijeka
(above the highest lodge next to the stage on the left)

The painter depicts the main character in the same position as in the opposite painting Genius with a Trumpet but instead of a musical instrument, in the hands of the young man he put a wicker basket with flowers that the young man accompanying him throws at imaginary performers – actors, singers, dancers and musicians – without whom theatre could not even exist. In terms of content, these three paintings along the stage together with two Matsch’s canvases on the vault result in the effect of theatre within theatre. Unlike his friends and colleagues, Gustav had a different approach.