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What the painting shows
Pale Face by Klimt, also known as Blasses Gesicht, presents the side profile of a woman cloaked in deep black. Her face is pale and stands out against the dark mass of her hair and clothing. A wide black hat crowns her head, casting a soft shadow over her forehead. Her profile shows a straight nose, slightly open lips, and downcast eyes.
The composition relies on a tall, narrow canvas. A massive black wrap fills the center and bottom of the frame, creating a dark pillar beneath her pale head. To the left of the figure, Klimt painted a flat, earthy brown background. On the right, a lighter off-white passage sits behind the cloak, while touches of gold patterning appear in the upper right corner.
The story behind it
Gustav Klimt painted Pale Face in 1903 using oil on canvas. The work is cataloged among his portraits, sharing a focus on female sitters seen throughout his career.
The canvas measures 80 centimeters high by 40 centimeters wide, making its height exactly twice its width. Klimt used this narrow proportion to frame the upright posture of the woman and the vertical fall of her black clothing. You can view where this piece fits into his complete body of work on the page covering his paintings.
Where to see it
Pale Face is in the permanent collection of Neue Galerie in New York. Visitors can view the original canvas in the museum’s galleries in New York City.
Questions about Pale Face
Where is Pale Face by Klimt?
Pale Face by Klimt belongs to the permanent collection of Neue Galerie in New York. The museum houses the original 1903 oil on canvas, which also carries the German title Blasses Gesicht. Art lovers can find the work displayed among the museum's holdings in New York City, where the painting remains preserved for public viewing.
When did Klimt paint Pale Face?
Klimt created Pale Face in 1903 during the early years of the twentieth century. Known also as Blasses Gesicht, this oil painting captures a woman in profile against dark drapery. The 80 by 40 centimeter canvas is preserved today at Neue Galerie in New York.
