Couples 
'Get Emilie!'
This request, or something to that effect, was the final words spoken by Gustav Klimt before he passed from this world during the influenza epidemic of 1918. A call for his companian of over 20 years - a friendship that inspired them both but remained shrouded in mystery for the rest of the world
Klimt met Emilie Fröge when his brother married her sister in 1891. She was 18 years old and he was in his 30s but over the years their relationship matured into one that was intellectually and emotionally charged, rather than one based on the physical.
Emilie was a free spirited and talented seamstress creating the 'reform dress' - a loose fitted garment intended to free women’s bodies from the traditionally restrictive corset which hindered them from fully participating in society. Klimt for his oart would often paint his models wearing these designs..
Although Klimt wrote over 400 letters and cards to his companion there is no evidence of a more physically intimate relationship. Klimt never addresses her in romantic terms. Neither ever married but their bond as a couple was, without doubt, an inspiration for both.