The artwork titled “Portrait of Heinrich Rieger” was created by the artist Egon Schiele in 1917, amidst the creative milieu of Vienna, Austria. Schiele, an influential figure within the Expressionist movement, chose charcoal on paper as the medium for this study. The piece measures 44.8 cm by 29.2 cm and exemplifies the genre of sketch and study. As of the last available information, the artwork is part of a private collection.
In this expressive portrait, the subject, Heinrich Rieger, is captured in a seated pose, facing directly towards the viewer. The composition emphasizes the figure’s gaunt and angular facial features, which are characteristic of Schiele’s approach to portraiture. The lines employed in the work are bold and somewhat unrefined, hinting at the raw emotional intensity often associated with Expressionist art. The use of shading and contouring accentuates the three-dimensionality of the subject’s form.
The subject’s attire is neatly sketched, conveying the fabric folds and the texture of the clothing with a degree of realism that contrasts with the more stylized treatment of the face and hands. His hands are particularly interesting, depicted in an almost gestural manner, adding to the overall dynamism of the piece. The facial expression of the subject is introspective, with eyes that seem to project a sense of contemplation or inner turmoil, inviting the viewer to ponder the mood and thoughts of the individual portrayed.
The use of color is minimal, with the monochromatic nature of the charcoal drawing subtly interrupted by touches of what appears to be colored pencil, enhancing certain elements like the lips and the tie, providing a focal point amidst the otherwise muted tones. The background is intentionally left blank, ensuring that the viewer’s attention remains squarely on the figure, while the signature of the artist is prominently displayed in the lower right-hand corner, serving as a testament to Schiele’s authorship of this introspective and evocative piece.
