Beethoven Fries - Die feindlichen Gewalten 1902
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Beethoven Frieze - The Hostile Forces
The Beethoven Frieze is a painting by Gustav Klimt.
Description
In 1902, Klimt painted the Beethoven Frieze for the 14th Vienna Secessionist exhibition, which was intended to be a celebration of Ludwig van Beethoven|the composer and featured a monumental polychrome sculpture by Max Klinger. Meant for the exhibition only, the frieze was painted directly on the walls with light materials. After the exhibition the painting was preserved, although it did not go on display again until 1986. The Beethoven Frieze is now on permanent display in the Vienna Secession hall (Austria)|Secession Building.
Trivia
Because of the frieze's fame and popularity, it was made the main motif of one of the most famous collectors' coins: the Austrian 100 euro Euro gold and silver commemorative coins (Austria)#2004 coinage|The Secession Coin, minted on November 10, 2004. The reverse side features a small portion of the frieze. The extract from the painting features three figures: a knight in armor representing “Armored Strength”, one woman in the background symbolizing “Ambition” holding up a wreath of victory and a second woman representing “Sympathy” with lowered head and clasped hands.
