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What the painting shows
Portrait of Sonja Knips by Gustav Klimt is an 1898 oil on canvas portrait that measures 145 by 146 centimeters. The composition presents the sitter resting in a pale armchair, turned slightly to the side while looking straight at the viewer.
She wears an elaborate pink gown with sheer ruffled shoulders, long sleeves, and a high collar. A light band cinches her waist above a wide skirt that fills the lower half of the square canvas. In her right hand, she holds a small red book that introduces a sharp accent into the soft palette. Klimt rendered the dress with light, feathery strokes to give the fabric a delicate appearance. Soft reddish-brown tones define the left wall, while pink and white lilies spill down from the upper right corner. Her auburn hair is gathered high on her head, framing a calm expression. This work is an important piece among Klimt’s portraits.
Who the sitter was
The sitter depicted in the painting is Sonja Knips. Klimt painted her likeness in 1898 and gave the canvas the title Portrait of Sonja Knips, though the work is also known simply as Sonja Knips.
Where to see it
Portrait of Sonja Knips is in the collection of the Belvedere in Vienna. The museum preserves the original oil painting within its public galleries. If you want to locate more of the artist’s original work on display, consult our guide on where to see Klimt across different museums.
Details of Portrait of Sonja Knips
Questions about Portrait of Sonja Knips
Where is Portrait of Sonja Knips by Klimt?
Portrait of Sonja Knips by Gustav Klimt is in the collection of the Belvedere in Vienna. The museum displays the 1898 oil painting among its historic holdings. The work has stayed in Vienna, giving museum visitors the chance to examine the full-scale canvas, its light pink textures, and Klimt's signature in person.
How big is Portrait of Sonja Knips by Klimt?
Portrait of Sonja Knips by Gustav Klimt measures 145 centimeters in height by 146 centimeters in width. This nearly square format gives ample room for the seated figure of Sonja Knips and her expansive pink dress. The large size allows the delicate brushwork on the fabric and the surrounding floral background to stand out clearly.
