Portrait Of Bertha Von Wiktorin 1907

Egon Schiele, an Austrian Expressionist, painted this oil portrait of Bertha Von Wiktorin sometime in the early 20th century. It's a remarkable work, reflecting the shifting social attitudes of its time. Consider how the act of depicting a woman smoking was quite transgressive then, challenging traditional notions of femininity. Schiele's association with the Vienna Secession, known for its rebellion against academic art, certainly informed his willingness to push boundaries. The loose brushwork and muted palette further contribute to the artwork's sense of unease, perhaps mirroring the social anxieties of a rapidly changing society on the brink of war. To fully appreciate Schiele's work, one might delve into sources like exhibition catalogs, period journals, and biographies. By examining the social and institutional context, we gain a richer understanding of art's power as a mirror and agent of change.