Nude
Original title: Nude
kurzbeschreibung
Egon Schiele made this charcoal drawing in 1917, showing a seated woman in a thoughtful pose. The sheet measures 46 × 29.6 cm and is titled 'Akt'.
Description
A seated woman touches her head with her right hand; her arms are crossed, her gaze directed upward, her hair tied in a knot. Black on light paper, with no shading or elaborate detail. The empty background leaves the figure entirely on its own, and a signature appears at the bottom.
Context
Created in 1917, during a period of intense work in World War I. Schiele was by then well established in Vienna and was exploring expressive line. This sheet belongs to his mature style, reduced to essentials.
Impact
From the first glance, a calm, inward-looking mood emanates from the figure. The open layout and un-filled background reinforce the impression of seclusion and inner absorption.
Technique
Charcoal on paper allows an immediate, spontaneous stroke. Shading is avoided; clear contours carry the subdued effect of the sheet.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)