The artwork titled “Portrait of Valerie Neuzil” is an oil on panel painting by Egon Schiele, dated 1912. It represents the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and measures 32 x 40 cm. As a portrait, it captures the visage of Valerie Neuzil, one of Schiele’s frequent models and companions. The artwork currently resides in a private collection.
In the artwork, the subject is depicted with a direct and engaging gaze towards the viewer. Schiele’s signature style is evident in the expressive line work and the contoured quality of Neuzil’s face and hair. The use of color is nuanced, with a warm palette dominating the composition. Neuzil’s auburn hair frames her face, with touches of orange and red that complement the more subdued tones of her flesh. The artist employs a distinctive blend of realism and abstraction, with details like the eyes and mouth rendered in a manner that conveys emotional depth and psychological intensity.
The background is minimal, suggesting a sense of spatial ambiguity that focuses the viewer’s attention on the subject. Distinctive brushstrokes and the textural qualities of the paint add a tactile element to the work. The artwork’s rawness and emotional immediacy are characteristic of Schiele’s broader oeuvre, marking it as a poignant example of his exploration of human expression and the boundaries of portraiture during the era.
