Gustav Klimt spent his career exploring symbolism through different mediums and drew inspiration from various muses; however, one of his most famed paintings is the portrait of his muse, Adele Bloch Bauer I. This portrait was created in his “golden phase” (1899-1910), his most successful and critically acclaimed period of creation. Throughout this phase, Klimt used gold leaf in various patterns on the bodies and surroundings of the main subjects. <br><br>Adele was the wife of industrialist Ferdinand Bloch who was 17 years her senior. Ferdinand and Adele had a very close relationship and bonded over their adoration for art. The couple not only purchased and collected paintings, but also appointed artists to personally create art for them. One of the artists they commissioned was Klimt. <br><br>Adele, then 22 years-old, sent Klimt a letter asking if he would paint a portrait of her. He agreed and created several paintings of Adele. His most well-known portrait of her was created in 1903. It portrays Adele sitting on a golden throne surrounded by various patterns, such as erotic symbols formed of eyes and triangles. These symbols and Adele’s piercing expression and hand gesture sparked rumours of a romantic relationship between herself and Klimt.<br>