Klimt's erotic work stirred controversy

It is the birthday of Austrian painter Gustav Klimt (1862), whose highly erotic works stirred criticism and controversy during his lifetime but also found an appreciative audience. One of his  best known works, The Kiss (1907-08) is thought to depict Klimt and designer Emilie Louise Flöge as lovers. She was his lifelong companion though he had many lovers with whom he produced at least 14 children. Venetian and Byzantine art influenced his highly stylized work. Although he made a good living with his painting, Klimt’s work has brought millions of dollars in sales since his death, and his images remain popular in prints. Klimt personally supervised the production of only one folio set of 50 images during his lifetime. Only 300 sets were produced of Das Werk Gustav Klimts (1908-14).