As many of you know, I am also a book lover. I especially enjoy reading art-related books. Stolen Beauty by Laurie Lico Albanese tells the story of the relationship of Adele Bloch-Bauer and the artist Gustav Klimt and the relentless pursuit by Adele's niece, Maria Altmann to reclaim artwork stolen by the Nazis during World War II.

Adele Bloch-Bauer, socialite and art patron was born August 9, 1881 in Vienna. She married  Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer, a wealthy banker and sugar baron. Her husband commissioned Gustav Klimt to do five works, including two portraits of Adele.  Adele modeled for the famous artist, and was rumored to be  involved in an affair. Many believe that she "may" be the woman in Klimt's most famous painting "The Kiss."

The description of "Adele Bloch-Bauer I" painting from the novel, 
"The portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I measures 54" by 54" unframed, weighs 22 pounds, 8 ounces. She has sixteen eyes, fifteen grams of gold, and seven grams of silver. Her dress is decorated with erotic signs and Egyptian symbols: the eyes of Horus to defend against evil, the three-sided ka that infuses the portrait with an indelible spirit. She's a queen and a seductress, a Jewess trapped in a lost world. Her lips are parted, as if she is about to say something that we will never hear."
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Klimt was born July 14, 1862 near Vienna. He attend the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts.  His success was reaching its peak during the early 1900s. Klimt most famous paintings created during his "Golden Period" include,  "Judith" (1901), "Danae" (1907) and "Adele Bloch Bauer I" (1907 pictured above), "The Kiss"  (1908). These paintings were likely inspired by Byzantine art which incorporated opulent materials like ornamental gold leaf, precious stones, and a flat, two-dimensional perspective. Read more about Klimt.