Gustav Klimt and the Beethoven Frieze

On the bottom floor of the Secession building is Klimt's masterpiece the Beethoven Frieze.  The room that houses it is roomy and expansive and the frieze itself takes up the upper half of the room.  The piece was done for an exhibition held in 1902 whose central theme was to honor Beethoven.  It follows in the Jungendstil tradition that Klimt is most famous for.  It is an interpretation of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and humanities search for happiness.  The picture I am attaching shows facing the 'Hostile Forces'.  The shaggy creature is part ape and part serpent.  Its eyes are made of mother of pearl which gives it a decidedly creepy look.  The three women on the left are his daughters the Gorgons and the three to the left represent Lasciviousness, Wantonness and Intemperance (large belly).  Behind the Gorgons are Sickness, Madness and Death.  (Thanks to the very clear explanation that was in the pamphlet provided by the exhibit.)

 One of the more amazing things is what good shape the frieze is in.  It was not intended to be permanent and was purchased after the exhibition.  The collector had the frieze cut into 8 pieces (along with the underlying support structure).  Later it was resold, and stored away during WWII.  After the war it was moved but continued to be in storage. 
It is an amazing piece and an absolute must see if you ever go to Vienna