Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) was an Austrian artist and a rebel against conservative art sensibilities. This garden painting is a mass of beauty in a random community of blooms. Its scattering seems of natural arrangement and color without human manicuring. This could be seen as a rebel composition against the very formal, curated flower paintings of Klimt’s day. This painting sold for 59.3 million dollars in 2017.

Best known for his Art Nouveau works that glisten in gold abstraction and realism such as The Kiss, this Klimt piece seems a very fitting expression of the new life that surrounds us in this spring season and in our faith. May our look back to Easter and our look forward to finding our way faithfully be inspired in some way by the creativity of an Austrian artist from 119 years ago. Thanks be to our creator who inspired Gustav Klimt and inspires us all. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church