Gustav Klimt is remembered as one of the greatest symbolist and decorative painters of the twentieth century. He also painted portraits, often of upper-class members of Viennese society as well as those he knew. This painting depicts Klimt’s lifelong companion Emilie Louise Flöge - a fashion designer who was a member of the Viennese bohemian and Fin de siècle circles. Little is known about the nature of Klimt and Flöge’s relationship, yet some believe that Klimt’s famous painting ‘Kiss’ shows the artist and Emilie as lovers.