Gustav Klimt (1862–1918) was an Austrian symbolist painter best known for his ornate, sensual works that often featured the female form. A founding member of the Vienna Secession movement, Klimt sought to break away from traditional academic art and embrace more modern, expressive styles. His most famous painting, The Kiss (1907–1908), exemplifies his signature use of gold leaf, intricate patterns, and emotional intensity. Klimt’s work blended symbolism, eroticism, and decorative art, making him a central figure in the development of early 20th-century modernism.