Gustav Klimt: Painting, Design & Modern Life in Vienna 1900 is at Tate Liverpool (0151 702 7400) from 30th May until 31st August.

A young model named Frederike Beer-Monti rang on Klimt's doorbell in 1915, hoping he would paint her portrait.

(She had already posed for his younger rival, Schiele).

She found him both taciturn and formidable.


"Klimt was exceptionally animal-like. His body exuded a peculiar odour. As a woman, one was really afraid of him."

FOR THE UK TELEGRAPH'S COVERAGE OF THE EXHIBITION, CLICK HERE.