Hymn to Joy. Detail from Beethoven Frieze 1902

This detail of Gustav Klimt’s *Beethoven Frieze* (1902) portrays a couple embracing against a shimmering gold background. The male figure, seen from behind, holds a woman in his arms, their bodies blending together. The couple stands on a ground of flowing water and is framed by a series of vertical lines. The richly decorative style, characterized by flowing lines, organic motifs, and stylized figures, is typical of Klimt’s mature work. The overall effect is one of intense emotion and intimacy, emphasizing the power of love and unity. The *Beethoven Frieze*, commissioned for the Vienna Secession exhibition, is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau and a defining example of Klimt's artistic vision.