The artwork titled “Lakeside with Birch Trees” was created by the artist Gustav Klimt in 1901. As a piece emblematic of the Symbolism movement, it measures 90 by 90 centimeters and belongs to the landscape genre. Presently, this artwork is part of a private collection.
The artwork portrays a serene lakeside scene, characterized by the presence of reflective birch trees whose slender trunks stand prominently against a textured backdrop of foliage and water. The quiet stillness of the body of water captures the intricate reflections of the surrounding greenery, while a gentle contrast is established through the visible patch of clear blue sky mirrored on the water’s surface. The foreground is rich with a tapestry of wildflowers and grasses in varied hues—lavender, yellows, and greens—suggesting the lushness and vibrancy of life at the water’s edge. This tranquil composition invites contemplation and reflects a sense of harmony with nature that is characteristic of Symbolist landscapes, where the natural world often assumes a deeper, more meditative quality.
