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What the painting shows
Portrait of Joseph Pembauer by Klimt presents the sitter in a realistic portrait surrounded by a wide golden border filled with classical symbols. Painted in 1890, the canvas measures 65 by 55 centimeters. Joseph Pembauer faces slightly to his right, wearing eyeglasses, a dark coat, a white collar, and a black bow tie against a muted red background. Above his head, gold Roman numerals mark the date Anno Domini MDCCCLXXXX.
Gold decorative imagery encloses the central portrait. To the right, Apollo stands atop a carved column capital, playing a kithara. Stars dot the golden surface across the top, while a tripod stand sits at the left edge. Along the lower margin, two sketched faces and a small fish rest beside the frame. This composition belongs to Klimt’s early works, combining traditional portraiture with allegorical ornament.
Who the sitter was
The sitter is the pianist Joseph Pembauer. Klimt captures him with close attention to his features, dark curling hair, and focused expression. The work is also known as Portrait of the pianist Joseph Pembauer. It stands among the distinctive portraits created during this period of Klimt’s career, honoring the musician alongside symbols of ancient music and art.
Where to see it
You can see Portrait of Joseph Pembauer at the Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum in Innsbruck. The museum holds the original oil on canvas painting in its collection.
Questions about Portrait of Joseph Pembauer
When did Klimt paint Portrait of Joseph Pembauer?
Gustav Klimt painted Portrait of Joseph Pembauer in 1890. He produced the work in oil on canvas during this early stage of his career. The completion date is recorded directly within the composition, where gold Roman numerals read Anno Domini MDCCCLXXXX across the upper section of the inner panel above the sitter.
Where is Portrait of Joseph Pembauer by Klimt?
Portrait of Joseph Pembauer by Klimt is in the collection of the Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum in Innsbruck. The museum houses this original oil on canvas painting, which measures 65 by 55 centimeters. Visitors to the Ferdinandeum can observe Klimt's depiction of the pianist alongside its surrounding decorative gold border.
