The artwork titled “Hindering the Artist is a Crime, It is Murdering Life in the Bud” by Egon Schiele was created in 1912. This watercolor on paper piece belongs to the Expressionism movement and is a portrait with dimensions of 48.6 x 31.8 cm. Currently, the artwork is housed in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a figure that appears disheveled and emotionally intense, which is characteristic of Schiele’s work and the Expressionism movement. The subject is portrayed with exaggerated features and a stark, penetrating gaze that engages the viewer. The use of watercolor provides a fluidity and a sense of immediacy, with the bold orange-red and earthy tones dominating the composition. The figure, likely the artist himself given the personal and introspective nature of the work, is presented with a degree of contortion that adds to the emotional impact of the image. Written text can be seen at the bottom of the painting, suggesting a narrative or message integral to the work’s interpretation. The unfinished areas and the focus on the figure’s upper body are reflective of Schiele’s style, which often highlighted the raw, expressive potential of the human form.
