Focus on this artwork and discuss the Description.
In 1902, Klimt painted the Beethoven Frieze for the Fourteenth Vienna Secession exhibition in celebration of 75th anniversary of the composer Ludwig van Beethoven's death. It was featured alongside a monumental polychrome sculpture by Max Klinger. Meant for the exhibition only, the frieze was painted directly on the walls with light materials.The frieze is large, standing at 2.15 m (7 ft 1 in) high with a width of 34.14 m (112.0 ft). The entire work weighs four tons. It is based on the composer Richard Wagner's interpretation of Beethoven's Ninth symphony.The frieze combined Ancient Greek, Byzantine, early medieval, and Japanese art styles, while incorporating Klimt's characteristic use of gold leaf. Its left side begins with genii floating toward a knight, driving him to protect mankind's happiness. The middle panel displays personified threats to society, such as lust, typhus, and syphilis. Its right wall culminates with the genii leading humanity to happiness through poetry, choir singing, and a loving embrace.
poetry Ludwig van Beethoven frieze genii choir singing Ancient Greek Japanese early medieval typhus Frieze knight Ludwig van Beethoven's gold leaf Vienna Ninth symphony Byzantine Japanese art Beethoven's Max Klinger lust Vienna Secession syphilis Richard Wagner