Toward the end of the 19th century, a group that called themselves "The Pembauer Society", gathered every Thursday night in a tavern.  It is in this tavern which Klimt painted the portrait of Pembauer.  Joseph Pembauer was a pianist, composer, and keyboard teacher.  In those days artists were celebrated; it is no wonder Pembauer was popular enough to have a group named after him. 
 
   The painting consists of two parts: the golden frame, and the portrait itself.  Scholars say it is a marriage of photographic realism with symbols and emblems.  The portrait, like the other portraits of Klimt, are very life-like.  He captures the personality of Pembauer specially in the way the model pouts his lips. 
 
   The emblems, on the other hand, is another part worth discussing.  Directly behind Pembauer is a golden lyre.  This symbol appears several times in Klimts paintings like Music I, Music II, and The Beethoven Frieze.  Klimt uses the lyre to symbolize the arts, which is very appropriate for Pembauer who is an artist. 
 
   The gold frame is characteristic of Klimt.  Around the frame are ornaments showing Klimt's inclination toward Greek archaeology.  As if it were not enough, on the upper right of the frame, Klimt paints a greek denizen playing a lyre.  Also note that this greek man stands on top of a pillar; probably Klimt's way of revering the arts in general.