Gustav Klimt was an Austrian symbolist painter known for his ornate, gilded works that explore themes of love, sexuality, and the female form. A leading figure in the Vienna Secession movement, Klimt is best known for masterpieces like The Kiss and Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I. His distinctive style, characterized by intricate patterns and rich use of gold leaf, has made him one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century.