The Lady in Gold and the Imperial City

Several years ago, I watched the movie The Woman in Gold, starring Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds. This movie was based on the nonfiction book, The Lady in Gold, which focuses on the history of a painting of the Viennese society belle, Adele Bloch-Bauer by Gustav Klimt. Unfortunately, this beautiful painting has a tainted past. Because Adele and her family were wealthy Jews, the Nazis took this painting from them during World War II, a common occurrence during the 1940s. While the movie focuses more on the story of Maria Altmann, the niece of Adele Bloch-Bauer, and her legal battle against the Austrian government to reclaim the painting that rightfully belongs, to her family, the book goes into great detail about the history of Klimt, Adele, and Vienna. I would highly recommend both the book and the movie; however, the book is decidedly more dense and detail-oriented than the movie. While I enjoy reading about art historical movements and the intricacies of Viennese culture during La Belle Époque, I know that some people are more interesting in watching a heart warming story about a family reclaiming their rightful property. Regardless of which version you like, the main star of both versions of the story is without a doubt the Imperial City, or Vienna.

If you have ever been to or are considering going to Vienna, you need to read the book (or at least watch the movie) because it artfully describes what makes the city special. I have only been to Vienna once and for a short time, but when I arrived I honestly didn’t know what to expect because more Western European cities, like Paris and London often get more attention in America. However, after I watched The Woman in Gold, I developed an intense fascination with Austria. As someone who loves art and museums, I am always interested in cities that have a strong history and connection with the arts. I was fortunate enough to go to Vienna last spring, and I can confidently say that it is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. It’s similar to Paris in the fact that its ornate, exquisite architecture that immediately satisfies your aesthetic desires. However, one thing that sets it apart from Paris is the fact that it hasn’t been infiltrated by tourists to the same degree. Being in Vienna feels more authentic in a way because you aren’t constantly hearing English and seeing people on the streets in t-shirts and Bermuda shorts (a definite signal of an American tourist who sticks out among the Europeans who have pretty much universally rejected the idea of wearing shorts).

Between its incredible museums, immaculate palaces, and its rich history, Vienna is a city that is not to be missed. Words cannot describe how beautiful the city is. I cannot stop thinking about the moment that I started crying after walking into a room in the Belvedere Museum and unexpectedly saw one version of Jacques Louis-David’s Napoleon Crossing the Alps or the elation I felt after accidentally running into Vienna’s “Ice World”, an 8000 square meter ice skating rink right next to Vienna’s city hall. If you don’t have the chance to visit this absolutely enchanting city, reading The Lady in Gold, is absolutely your next best option. It will immediately transport you to this unique Austrian gem.

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