The artwork “Back View of a Seated Female Nude with Black Hair, Bending” was created by Egon Schiele in 1909. As an artist renowned for his contributions to the Expressionism movement, Schiele’s work frequently explored the human figure, with a particular emphasis on nudes, and this piece is no exception. Created during a transformative time in art history, this drawing is classified within the genre of nude painting (nu).
The artwork presents a stark and intimate depiction of a woman from behind, captured in a state of bending over. Characteristic of Schiele’s style, the figure is rendered with expressive line work that conveys both the form and the emotional essence of the subject. The choice of perspective focuses on the curvature of the woman’s back, hips, and hair, with sharp, angular lines suggesting both the fragility and strength of the human body. Additionally, Schiele’s use of color is minimal yet impactful—the woman’s hair and lips are highlighted with bold black and red tones, respectively, which stand out from the muted background, drawing attention to these particular attributes. This restrained color palette, coupled with the raw and candid portrayal of the subject, is indicative of Schiele’s exploration of the human condition and the inherent expressiveness of the body.
