Fredericke Maria Beer 1916

Gustav Klimt painted Fredericke Maria Beer amidst an opulent tableau seemingly lifted from an ancient scroll. The figures behind Beer are pulled from Chinese theatrical tradition, each embodying archetypal roles and moral lessons. The motif of the procession, here refigured in a decorative parade, echoes across millennia. Think of Roman triumphs, or even religious processions of the Middle Ages. It appears again and again in art history. Here, it transmutes into a backdrop that evokes an exotic otherworldliness. The theatricality, rich colors, and patterns may touch something deep within us, beyond rational understanding. It is a primal connection to the collective human experience. This orientalist fantasy is a potent example of the enduring power of symbols to stir our subconscious.