Egon Schiele’s “Single Houses,” created in 1915 in Vienna, Austria, is an oil on canvas artwork that exemplifies the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. With dimensions of 139.7 x 109.7 cm, this cityscape painting currently resides in a private collection. Schiele’s work is known for its emotional intensity and bold use of line, and this piece reflects those hallmark qualities.
The artwork depicts a cluster of houses, presumably in an urban setting given the close proximity and the architectural styles presented. The houses depicted are angular and slightly distorted, typical of Schiele’s style, which often strays from realistic proportions toward a more expressive outcome. The palette is earthy and somewhat muted, with browns, greens, and reds providing a sense of warmth amidst the urban landscape.
In the foreground, a row of trees runs horizontally across the canvas, creating a natural divider between the viewer and the houses. These trees are rendered with a thick, almost scribble-like application of paint, adding texture and depth. The central focus is the largest house, placed in the middle of the composition, highlighted by sections of red that attract the eye. The sky above the houses is streaked with white and grey, indicating an overcast or possibly bleak atmospheric condition.
In the background, there are indications of a distant horizon line and perhaps additional structures or natural formations, though these elements are less defined and give way to the dominant subject of the houses. The brushwork seems agitated and dynamic throughout, contributing to a sense of unrest and emotional complexity that is characteristically Schiele.
Overall, the artwork portrays not just a physical cityscape but also an emotional landscape, allowing viewers to sense the atmosphere of the scene through Schiele’s distinctive visual language.
