Amalie Zuckerkandl

Amalie Zuckerkandl (1869¨C1944) was the daughter of Viennese writer and playwright Sigmund Schlesinger. She was married to surgeon and urologist Dr. Otto Zuckerkandl. His brother Emil Zuckerkandl was a famous anatomist and husband of the writer and art critic Berta Zuckerkandl, n¨¦e Szeps. The latter relationship is most likely due to the family's strong ties to Gustav Klimt. Klimt was commissioned to paint Amalie's portrait in 1913 or 1914. The master artist likely completed the subject's face and shoulders during those years. The way in which Klimt meticulously brings out the contrast between the model's bright complexion and her dark hair and eccentric black collar with lace tied back in a bow is astounding. During the First World War, Amalie Zuckerkandl stayed in Lviv where her husband worked as a doctor. She herself worked in the same hospital as a nurse. After she returned from Lviv, Klimt wanted to resume work on her portrait and drew some additional pencil sketches. However, he