The artwork titled “Black Haired Girl with High Skirt” was created by Egon Schiele in 1911. As a prominent figure of the Expressionist movement, Schiele’s work is known for its intensity and raw sexuality, attributes well exemplified in this particular nude painting (nu). This piece reflects the daring nature of the artist’s style and his willingness to push the boundaries of the art of his time.
In the artwork, the depiction of a female subject is characterized by a remarkably expressive style. The model’s body is contorted in a somewhat unnatural, twisted pose that conveys a sense of movement and emotional tension. Her hair is rendered with dark, heavy strokes, creating a wild and unruly appearance that frames the face and gives a striking contrast to the paleness of the skin. The skin’s depiction is nuanced with shades of brown, pink, and white, using Schiele’s distinctive line work and brush strokes to heighten the dramatic effect.
The subject’s skirt is depicted hitched up high, revealing her undergarments and the lower part of her torso, both accentuated by a bold use of dark color and shadow to emphasize form and depth. The face of the subject is portrayed with eyes closed and lips parted, further intensifying the intimate and vulnerable nature of the pose.
Overall, the artwork evokes a sense of deep introspection, psychological tension, and the exploration of sexuality that are key themes in Schiele’s oeuvre. It stands as a poignant example of the Expressionist movement’s impact on early 20th-century artistry, wherein the conventional limitations of aesthetic standards were actively challenged.
