Egon Schiele's 10 Defining Paintings: A Life in Provocation and Tenderness
A feature in DailyArt Magazine explores ten significant pieces by Egon Schiele (1890–1918), highlighting his artistic journey from Expressionist self-portraits to his incomplete final works. Notable pieces include 'Seated Male Nude (Self-Portrait)' (1910, Leopold Museum), which departs from Klimt's decorative style; 'Nude Self-Portrait, Grimacing' (1910, Albertina), which defies societal norms; and 'Self-Portrait with Chinese Lantern Plant' (1912, Leopold Museum), showcasing a blend of intensity and tranquility. 'Agony' (1912, Neue Pinakothek) expresses turmoil through elongated forms. 'Caress (Cardinal and Nun)' (1912, Leopold Museum) intertwines religious power with eroticism. 'Portrait of Wally Neuzil' (1912, Leopold Museum) captures a gentle gaze. 'Two Girls Lying Entwined' (1915, Albertina) conveys tenderness, while 'Death and the Maiden' (1915, Belvedere) flips power dynamics. 'Embrace (Lovers II)' (1917, Belvedere) signifies a pivotal moment. The incomplete 'The Family (Squatting Couple)' (1918, Belvedere) introduces a new formal language before Schiele succumbed to Spanish flu in October 1918, just three days after Edith, at the age of 28.
Key facts
- Egon Schiele died from Spanish flu in October 1918, three days after his wife Edith, at age 28.
- Seated Male Nude (Self-Portrait) (1910) is held by the Leopold Museum, Vienna.
- Nude Self-Portrait, Grimacing (1910) is held by the Albertina, Vienna.
- Self-Portrait with Chinese Lantern Plant (1912) is held by the Leopold Museum, Vienna.
- Agony (1912) is held by the Neue Pinakothek, Munich.
- Caress (Cardinal and Nun) (1912) is held by the Leopold Museum, Vienna.
- Portrait of Wally Neuzil (1912) is held by the Leopold Museum, Vienna.
- Two Girls Lying Entwined (1915) is held by the Albertina Museum, Vienna.
- Death and the Maiden (1915) is held by the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, Vienna.
- Embrace (Lovers II) (1917) is held by the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, Vienna.
- The Family (Squatting Couple) (1918) is held by the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, Vienna.
- Wally Neuzil appears in Schiele's work more than any other single subject.
- Schiele abandoned Wally Neuzil for Edith Harms in 1915.
- Schiele was influenced by El Greco and German Expressionists.
Entities
Artists
- Egon Schiele
- Gustav Klimt
- El Greco
Institutions
- Leopold Museum
- Albertina
- Neue Pinakothek
- Österreichische Galerie Belvedere
- DailyArt Magazine
Locations
- Vienna
- Austria
- Munich
- Germany