The Kiss

Probably Klimt's most famous work. The unknown models are shown locked in an awkward but close embrace, the man holding the woman's face towards him, and wrapped in a brilliant cloth of gold.

See it: Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, Vienna

Danaë

A hugely erotic work in which the nymph Danaë is impregnated by Zeus, who appears as a shower of gold falling between her legs.

See it: Galerie Würthle, Vienna

Portrait of Adele

Bloch-Bauer I

Another of the best-known works, in which the sitter is almost lost amid the gold decoration. It was sold to the collector Ronald Lauder in 2006 for $135million, making it, at the time, the most expensive painting ever sold.

See it: Neue Galerie, New York

Beethoven Frieze

Created for the 14th Vienna Secessionist exhibition, it was painted directly on to the walls. It spent 12 years in pieces in a furniture depot before being returned to the Secession in 1986 after the building's restoration.

See it: Wiener Secession, Association of Visual Artists, Vienna

Death and Life

On the right, a sleeping bundle of warmly-lit bodies lies tangled in a rich patchwork blanket, while on the left, in the semi-darkness, stands Death, clutching his scythe like a crazed fan clutches an autograph book, waiting to strike.

See it: Leopold Museum, Vienna

Editor's choice

• The 100 Best Films of the Decade
• 70 facts you didn't know about Marvel
• The 50 Biggest Movies Of 2010