Egon Schiele (1890-1918)

Egon Schiele was an Austrian painter and protégé of Gustav Klimt, known for his raw, emotionally charged style that helped define early Expressionism. His work is marked by stark lines, distorted figures, and an unflinching exploration of sexuality, mortality, and the human psyche. Schiele’s portraits and self-portraits often feature angular, emaciated bodies and penetrating gazes, confronting viewers with both vulnerability and intensity. Despite his short life—he died at just 28 during the Spanish flu pandemic—he produced an extraordinary body of work that pushed the boundaries of modern art and influenced generations of figurative artists.