Belvedere Palace paintings | A comprehensive look into Austrian art & culture

The Belvedere Palace in Vienna houses an invaluable collection of Austrian paintings, including works by Gustav Klimt, Franz Marc, Oskar Kokoschka, and other avant-garde artists. From the golden opulence of Gustav Klimt's paintings to the raw emotion expressed in Egon Schiele's canvases, the Belvedere offers a journey through the evolution of art, from the Baroque era to the dawn of the 20th century.

Why are the Belvedere paintings a must-visit?

Belvedere Palace paintings
  • Home to Gustave Klimt’s masterpieces: The palace houses some of the most iconic works by Gustav Klimt, including his world-famous painting ‘The Kiss’, along with other pieces like ‘Judith’ and ‘Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II’. ‘The Kiss’ is one of the most celebrated Belvedere Palace paintings, created during the height of Klimt’s ‘Golden Period’.
  • Works by Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka: The Belvedere also features works by other key figures of Austrian Modernism. Schiele’s expressive and often provocative paintings provide a stark contrast to Klimt’s decorative style, while Kokoschka’s portraits and landscapes offer further insight into the diverse artistic currents of early 20th-century Vienna. 
  • Comprehensive collection of Austrian art: The Belvedere Palace boasts a vast art collection, spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day. The paintings on display feature works from different periods, including the Baroque, Biedermeier, and Modernist movements. If you want to learn about the evolution of Austrian art and culture, make sure to look through the Belvedere Palace paintings. 
  • Rich historical and cultural context: The Belvedere Palace paintings are not just artistic treasures. A majority of the art collection reflects the social, political, and cultural changes that occurred in Austria over the centuries. 
Upper and Lower Belvedere Palace

Brief history of the Belvedere Palace art collection

Today, Belvedere Palace is a symbol of art in Vienna, but it wasn't always the case. The Palace was originally built in the 18th century as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, with Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt, a prominent architect of the time, designing the Palace.

The Upper Belvedere had a representative function and was an imperial painting gallery. After Prince Eugene's death, the Palace was opened to the public and became one of the world's first public art museums. Fast forward to today, it houses Gustav Klimt's incredible artworks, including 'The Kiss' and 'Judith,' masterpieces by Schiele and Kokoschka, and important works of French Impressionism and the Vienna Biedermeier era.

Similarly, in 1903, the Lower Belvedere was also opened as a modern gallery. Today, it is used for temporary exhibitions.

Belvedere Palace history

Frequently asked questions about Belvedere Palace paintings

The Belvedere Palace art collection in Vienna pays homage to centuries-old artworks, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, including masterpieces by Schiele, Klimt, Renoir, and others. If you love art and history, make sure to visit the Palace complex and admire its paintings, sculptures, and Baroque architectural elements.

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