Just finished this fantastic tale of the family and fights around Gustav Klimt's glorious portrait of noted Viennese Jewish society and cultural philanthropist Adele Block-Bauer, which now hangs in the Neue Gallery in New York City, where I viewed the painting and bought the book.The story is a potted history of Viennese society, the Austrian experience of WW II and Austrian art of the late 19th and early 20th century. Klimt is hailed as one of Austria's greatest painters, but the they have been reluctant to acknowledge the very strong connection he had to the Jewish community and the incredible influence this had on his, and his contemporaries, contribution to the Austrian artistic legacy.This portrait was the subject of an incredibly protracted fight between the Bloch-Bauer heirs, from whom this and much else had been stolen during the "Aryan-isation" of assets during the war. The behaviour of the Austrian government and art curators after the war was nothing short of disgraceful as they insisted the works be kept in Vienna for the edification of the masses. However the heirs didn't really cover themselves in glory once they finally got the artwork back, promptly selling it to (mostly) private collectors for astronomical sums of money. Sadly, most of the new owners now have these beautiful masterpieces tucked away where only they can see them. I have difficulty reading non-fiction. That said, I found this book fascinating. She fleshes the characters out so I had a real feel for them and gave a vivid picture of what it was like when the Nazis took over Vienna. This book would be of interest to all, but especially someone interested in the arts (hint, hint, Lauren). Spoil alert: I am finally going to NYC to this marvelous piece in early October.
What do You think about Dáma Ve Zlatém (2012)?
The history, storytelling, and research blend beautifully in this rich and important story.
—retno
