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What the painting shows
The Polecat Fur by Klimt is a 1916 portrait of a woman standing in a voluminous, full-length fur coat. She looks toward you with a pale face and dark hair, while the thick collar wraps closely around her neck and chin. Her figure fills the center of the vertical canvas, balanced on dark heeled shoes. One pale hand rests gently against the dark brown and black textures of the pelt.
Behind the central figure, small decorative figures in colorful robes fill the dark blue background. You can see garments in orange, red, green, and gold, along with rounded hats and belts. In the upper corners, additional figures stand on raised ground, watching the scene from behind. Klimt uses loose brushstrokes across the background to surround the central figure with vibrant color.
The story behind it
Gustav Klimt completed The Polecat Fur in 1916, creating one of his late portraits. The artwork is also recorded under its German title, Iltismantel. You can compare how his style and color palette evolved alongside other works in our catalog of Klimt paintings.
Where to see it
The Polecat Fur is held in a private collection. Because an individual collector owns the painting rather than a public art museum, it is not on continuous display for museum visitors.
Questions about The Polecat Fur
When did Klimt paint The Polecat Fur?
Gustav Klimt painted The Polecat Fur in 1916. The work was produced during the later period of his career, when he made several portraits. Known also by the German title Iltismantel, The Polecat Fur captures a woman dressed in an expansive dark coat against a colorful, crowded backdrop.
Who owns The Polecat Fur by Klimt?
The Polecat Fur by Gustav Klimt is held in a private collection. The painting is not owned by a public museum or civic gallery, meaning it is kept in private hands. Consequently, members of the public cannot view the original 1916 portrait on open display in a regular museum collection.
