The artwork “Self Portrait Nude” by Egon Schiele was created in 1910 in the Czech Republic. Employing watercolor on paper as his medium, Schiele contributed to the Expressionism movement. The piece measures 43.1 by 27.5 cm and falls within the self-portrait genre. This particular work is housed at the Albertina museum located in Vienna, Austria.
In the artwork, Schiele presents a raw and expressive depiction of the human form. Characterized by its vivid coloration and stark depiction of the body, Schiele’s style is immediately ascertainable. The portrait showcases the artist’s use of contorted poses and emotional intensity, which are hallmarks of his oeuvre and contribute to the Expressionist movement’s focus on subjective experience over objective reality.
The figure in the artwork, presumably Schiele himself given its classification as a self-portrait, is shown in a side view with his head turned to face the viewer. The body is rendered with bold, delineating strokes, and the color palette is notable for its contrasts and earthy tones. His gaze seems contemplative or introspective, which, paired with the isolation of the figure against the stark, unembellished background, enhances the psychological depth of the piece. The unfinished edges around the figure suggest a sense of incompleteness or the ephemeral nature of the self as perceived by the artist.
