The subject of this paper is painting of Vienna Secession. The intruduction will begin with description of historic and cultural background of the turn-of-the-century Vienna, which had a direct impact on the literary, musical and artistic production. Following chapters will deal with the formation of the Secession movement, its role in relation to the prevailing academic tradition and the most significant protagonists of the group. In the elaboration the emphasis will be placed on the characteristic motifs, techniques and styles of Art Nouveau painting, which will be thoroughly analysed on the examplary works by the two of the most important protagonists of the movement: Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. Based on the stylistic comparison of these two artists, the conclusion will be a summary of key observations on the painting of this period and its importance for the further course of European art.