Stehend nach links (Adele Bloch-Bauer)

This drawing belongs to an extensive series of studies of Adele Bloch-Bauer which Klimt executed over the course of four years in preparation for his lavish gilded masterpiece of 1907, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I (Novotny and Dobai, no. 150; Collection of the Neue Galerie, New York). Klimt painted Adele twice (see Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II, Christie's, New York, Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sale, 8 November 2006, lot 53). His passion for his subject is unmistakably evident in this group of drawings, each of which delicately traces Adele's graceful figure and elegant fineries in a uniquely enchanting perspective.