Observing The Pear Tree by Gustav Klimt and The Rocky Mountains by Albert Bierstadt, it is quite evident to identify countless differences between the two works. However, there are also some similarities between the two paintings that hide beyond the differences. These similarities lie in the artist's formatting and stylistic choices, the historical contexts of the pieces, the imaginative aspects of the work, and the intended audience. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The clear/visible similarities between the two artworks are the fact that both pieces are landscapes as well as the artist's interesting choice to place the landscapes in a non-traditional format; in Klimt's case, a square and in Bierstadt's case a vertical rectangle, as opposed to the horizontal format. Even stylistically the two paintings are similar, for example both works are oil on canvas: Rocky Mountains on linen and Pear Tree on canvas; and both represent a beautiful and ideal place in the eyes of artists. However there are differences between the settings and styles, the main difference being the fact that the works are representative of two different places; a pear orchard and a mountain range; becomes apparent through further research. Rocky Mountains has no real meaning in the format of the painting, except that it was most likely the most aesthetically pleasing format and may relate to the fact that the mountains depicted were erected through photographs, sketches, and memory. One possibility of the vertical format is given by the fact that the photos were most likely vertical, as were the sheets used for sketches; therefore, it may be reasonable to conclude that the format of the painting was predetermined by the evidence used to create it. Rocky Mountains was also created with careful attention to detail and realism in the depiction of its contents, although the range depicted is not an existing mountain range, rather an imaginary one, as if to evoke feelings of divinity and idealism. The Pero, however, has meaning behind the format of its landscape, instead of choosing the traditional horizontal format; Klimt decided to choose a square to represent his painting. The square is a pure geometric shape and represented the dominant decorative motif of the Vienna Secession at the time. Stylistically it is different because it is a post-impressionist work, created to suggest to the viewer that they are looking at an ancient Byzantine mosaic. Furthermore, instead of paying attention to realism and detail, Klimt sporadically places dots and drops of paint around the canvas to create an almost symbolic landscape: since each dot/speck of paint represents a leaf, a flower or a fruit, it takes a lot of contemplation and speculation to realize what the work depicts. It is also important to note that Gustav Klimt continued to modify his work throughout his 19th teen years, while Bierstadt did not. Beyond the superficial similarities, however, lie deeper and more historical similarities. For example, both works were created on the brink of war, Pear Tree during the Serbian-Austrian conflict and during part of World War I, and Rocky Mountains, during the height of the American Civil War. Differently, however, Rocky Mountains was created as an Edenic landscape work that evokes feelings of hope and opportunity, while promising new beginnings. While Pear Tree was created free from historical ties, it is uncertain whether or not it is a statement of peace and tranquility during a time of desperation and atrocity, or a painting without any reference.