The Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer by Gustav Klimt has recently sold for $236m, making it the second-most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. Inspired by this headline, the Unexpected Elements team delve into the story of how microbiology may have influenced Klimt’s work.Speaking of microbiology, we find out that bacteria could help restore frescoes to their former glory. We also get on the line with Dr Siyakha Mguni, an archaeologist and senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town, who tells us about ancient artworks far older than anything Klimt ever painted. Plus, the world’s biggest spider’s web, and why mosquitoes are impressive 3D printers. All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements.Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Andrada Fiscutean and Edd Gent
Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, with Margaret Sessa Hawkins, Alice McKee, Lucy Davies and Robbie Wojciechowski

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The unexpected science behind Klimt's artwork

Unexpected Elements

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