The artwork “House with Drying Laundry” was created by the artist Egon Schiele in 1917, hailing from Vienna, Austria. This piece is rendered in oil on canvas and is classified within the Art Nouveau movement, a style known as Modern at the time. The genre it represents is that of a cityscape. Presently, the painting is part of a private collection, which reflects its appreciation and value amongst art collectors.
Regarding the artwork itself, it depicts a multi-story residential building with a distinct architectural style that suggests a European setting, possibly reflecting the aesthetic of Viennese architecture during the early 20th century. The facade of the structure is richly textured, with an interplay of dark lines and an earthy color palette that offers a sense of depth and tactile quality. The titular drying laundry, adding a vibrant touch to the otherwise muted tones, hangs prominently across the foreground, suggesting the everyday lives of the inhabitants. The background features a hint of mountainous terrain, which, in conjunction with the architecture and laundry, portrays a scene marrying the mundane with the subtle beauty found within a daily urban landscape. Schiele’s characteristic expressiveness and use of line are evident, doing justice to the Art Nouveau’s principle of integrating art into everyday life.
