Liegende 1918

Egon Schiele rendered this nude drawing in pencil and gouache on paper. During the early 20th century, Vienna was marked by both artistic innovation and social conservatism. Schiele, part of the Austrian Expressionist movement, often challenged conventional representations of the human body and sexuality. This drawing exemplifies Schiele’s style, characterized by distorted figures and raw emotional intensity. The subject’s pose, with arms raised above her head, exposes her body, yet her averted gaze suggests vulnerability. Schiele was known for his complex relationships with his models, often young women from diverse social backgrounds. His work reflects a fascination with female sexuality, but also raises questions about power dynamics. "I am sometimes uneasy that I pursue sensuousness as passionately as ascetics pursue spirituality," he once wrote, revealing his internal conflict. Schiele's art encouraged viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about desire, exploitation, and the human condition. Despite his early death at 28, his work continues to provoke dialogue about identity, sexuality, and the role of art in challenging societal norms.