(Austrian, 1890-1918)
BY TRACY RISUCCI
MARCH, 2019
Egon Schiele’s work is best known for it’s raw sexuailty and twisted lines in a style considered erotic, exotic, and pornograhic. He considered drawing his primary art form with a primary focus on sex, death and discovery. Schiele produced a tremendous number of self portraits.
His talent was recognized at a young age allowing him the ability to study at the academy of fine arts. Eventually Schiele opened his own studio in Vienna to start his “new art movement” Years of scandal ensued based on the erotic nature of his work and use of teenage models. Schiele eventually married in 1915. Four days later he reported to active duty in the Austrian army. Once again, his talent was not to be denied and his officers placed him in a position that prevented him from seeing combat, allowing him to continue his art. Hence he was highly prolific artistically during the war. By 1918 a tremendously successful exhibit at Vienna’s Secessions Annual cemented his legacy.
Shortly thereafter the Spanish Flu pandemic struck Vienna. His wife, six months pregnant died. Schiele died three days later. He was 28 years old.