Gustav Klimt

Updated October 27, 2026

Title: Sleeping Woman Embracing a Gray Cat Beneath a Golden Mosaic Technique: Oil on canvas Measures: 21 x 29 inches (53.3 x 73.7 cm) Year: Undated Condition: Appears in generally good visual condition based on the photographs supplied, with rich coloration and pronounced, raised impasto in the gold mosaic background and the circular motifs of the blanket, contrasting with smoother, more finely blended passages in the face, hands, and cat. No significant paint losses or tears are apparent in the available images. Minor surface irregularities, light handling marks, and age-related wear may be present. Presented in a wide, deeply carved gilt frame with repeating sculpted scroll and rosette ornament, showing variations in the gilded finish. Not examined out of the frame. Condition is described from the photographs supplied. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description. Provenance: Acquired by the private collection of the Rao family in Hyderabad from the private collection of the Reddy family in Chennai. Visual Description: An intimate, decorative scene in horizontal format, showing a young woman asleep against a white pillow with a gray tabby cat curled contentedly in her arms. Her face, rendered in pale ivory with rosy cheeks, closed eyes, and red lips, rests against the cat's head, while her dark hair is piled up and adorned with golden ornaments and a red flower. Her arm wraps around the cat, whose striped silver-gray fur is painted with fine, soft strokes. She wears a dark garment patterned with gold and burgundy circles, and the lower half of the composition is filled by a sweeping black blanket scattered with large concentric gold discs, built up in thick, swirling paint so they stand in relief from the surface. Behind the figures, the upper left of the canvas is a glowing mosaic of small squares and rectangles in gold, amber, saffron, ochre, white, and black, evoking inlaid tiles or gold leaf. The contrast between the naturalistic, tender treatment of the woman and cat and the flat, jewel-like ornament around them reflects the visual language of the Vienna Secession and its fusion of portraiture with lavish decorative pattern. The lower right bears a painted inscription reading "Gustav Klimt." This composition reflects stylistic elements commonly associated with major figures in modern and contemporary art. For additional information regarding certification, provenance, or any inquiries about this piece or other items, please don't hesitate to contact us through the HiBid platform. A secondary market exists for uncatalogued artworks like this one, which often results in lower estimated and sale prices compared to catalogued artist works. If you have any specific questions or require further assistance in understanding the value, context, or details of this artwork, we are here to help and provide any additional information you may need.

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