Gustav Klimt:
Portrait of Hermine Gallia (1903, reworked 1904) – Bildniss Hermine Gallia
Oil on canvas.
170.5 x 96.5 cm
©National Gallery, London
(Natter no. 151)

The first studies by Klimt for this portrait were undertaken in 1902/03. Probably he intended Hermine Gallia to be seated, and another standing position until it became this pose in the painting. It was exhibited in 1903/04 but seemed not to be finished yet. He finally added the year 1904 later when it was completed. The dress recalls a design by Eduard Wimmer-Wisgrill. Klimt seems to be borrowing a lot for the format from James Whistler.

The sitter is Hermine Gallia (born Hamburger, 1870-1936). She married Moriz Gallia. Their apartment was designed by Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstätte. Another painting of Klimt was in the possession of the Gallia’s too (Beech Forest II, painted in the same year).