Egon Schiele’s “Self portrait in a jerkin with right elbow raised,” created in 1914 in Vienna, Austria, is an exemplary piece of the Expressionism movement. Executed using a combination of chalk, gouache, pencil, and paper, this self-portrait reflects the characteristic introspective and emotional intensity of Schiele’s work. Its dimensions are modest, measuring 48 by 31 centimeters, and it currently resides within a private collection. The artwork, set on a light background, holds a central figure with a contorted pose, demonstrating the artist’s bold treatment of body language and form.
The artwork presents a striking pose where the artist has depicted himself with an arm raised above his head in an angular and tense position. The use of line is manifest throughout the figure, with delineated muscles and limbs that suggest a sense of movement or discomfort. His facial expression is intense and confrontational, engaging the viewer with a direct gaze. The colors are a mix of earthy tones on his jerkin, contrasting with the pale skin. Schiele’s signature can be found at the bottom right corner, which lends authenticity to this personal expression of the human condition.
