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What the painting shows
Head of a Woman in Three-Quarter Profile by Klimt is a drawing in black chalk on paper that captures a female figure looking forward with an intense expression. Klimt draws her head tilted slightly downward, turning her gaze toward the viewer. Dark, dense chalk marks define the shadows around her eyes, the bridge of her nose, and her parted lips.
A heavy crown of hair flows over her forehead and cascades down the right side of the page in undulating lines. In contrast to the finished shading of her facial features, Klimt sketches her neck, shoulder, and back with light, single contours. The rest of the paper remains open, and the lower right corner bears an estate stamp that reads “GUSTAV KLIMT NACHLASS”.
The story behind it
Klimt produced the work between 1901 and 1902. The sheet is also known by the title Study for the Beethoven Frieze, connecting it directly to his preparations for that major project.
Klimt regularly used black chalk to test expressions, hairstyles, and bodily contours. This sheet illustrates how his preparatory drawings captured psychological presence using only minimal outlines and selective shading.
Where to see it
Head of a Woman in Three-Quarter Profile is in the collection of the Albertina museum in Vienna. If you are planning an itinerary to view original works in person, refer to our guide on where to see Klimt paintings and drawings in Austria.
Questions about Head of a Woman in Three-Quarter Profile
Where is Head of a Woman in Three-Quarter Profile by Klimt?
Head of a Woman in Three-Quarter Profile by Klimt is located in Vienna, Austria, in the permanent collection of the Albertina museum. The Albertina preserves a substantial archive of historical drawings and graphic works, including studies made by Klimt throughout his career. Visitors who want to view works on paper should check the museum schedule in advance, as light-sensitive drawings are not always on display.
What is Head of a Woman in Three-Quarter Profile by Klimt made of?
Head of a Woman in Three-Quarter Profile by Gustav Klimt is made with black chalk on toned paper. Klimt utilized chalk to achieve deep, rich shadows around the facial features and soft lines along the woman's hair and shoulders. The medium allowed him to draft spontaneous preliminary ideas quickly while creating strong tonal contrasts between dark strokes and blank paper.
