The artwork “Rufer” was created by the Austrian Expressionist artist Egon Schiele in 1913, in Vienna, Austria. It is a watercolor painting on paper, measuring 48.2 by 31.2 cm. This portrait is a prime example of the Expressionism movement and is held in a private collection.
The painting features a figure seemingly in motion, with the body oriented to the right but the head turned almost profile to the left. The use of bold, dark lines to outline the figure and features is characteristic of Schiele’s intense and expressive style. The choice of colors is limited, with a dominance of deep blue for the clothing against the light background, and reddish hues for the facial features. The background is largely unadorned, allowing the viewer’s attention to focus on the figure. The facial expression is intense and evokes a sense of introspection or unease, resonating with the emotional depth often explored in Expressionist works. The brushstrokes appear quick and spontaneous, further contributing to the urgency and immediacy of the portrait.
