The artwork “Landscape at Krumau” by Egon Schiele is an exquisite example of Art Nouveau (Modern) from the early 20th century. Completed in 1916 in Vienna, Austria, this cityscape employs oil on canvas as its medium. The artwork’s dimensions are considerable, measuring 110.5 cm in height and 141 cm in width.
In “Landscape at Krumau,” Schiele presents a kaleidoscope of interlocking houses and foliage, employing a vibrant, almost jigsaw-like composition. The colors are rich and varied, evoking the atmosphere and environment of the time. The buildings are depicted in a manner that eschews direct realism, creating an almost dreamlike vision of the town. Trees and nature are interspersed amongst the architecture, illustrating the coexistence of the urban environment with the natural world. Schiele’s use of exaggerated colors and forms connects to the larger Art Nouveau movement’s fascination with organic lines and an idealized connection to nature and beauty. The distinctive brushwork and angular lines suggest both movement and harmony within the cramped, lively space of the small town. The piece is signed and dated by the artist, indicating his presence and direct involvement in the creation of this vivid portrayal of Krumau’s landscape.