The artwork titled “Seated female nude with elbows propped” is a creation of Egon Schiele, dating from the year 1914. This work is an embodiment of the Expressionism movement and serves as a sketch and study. The dimensions of the piece are 48 x 32 cm, and it currently resides in the Albertina, in Vienna, Austria. This work exemplifies Schiele’s distinct style and his contribution to the artistic movement with which he is associated.
The artwork captures the form of a nude female figure seated with her elbows propped upon her raised knees. Her body is presented with a raw intimacy and a directness that is characteristic of Schiele’s work. The lines are bold and deliberate, with an economy of detail that nevertheless conveys the depth of the figure’s form and the emotional intensity of the pose. The subject’s gaze confronts the viewer, creating a powerful connection that is typical for the psychological exploration found in Expressionist art. The use of shading adds a sculptural quality to the figure, enhancing the emotional impact of the composition. The sparse use of color—noticeable primarily in the flushed cheeks and lips—provides a hint of vitality within the otherwise muted palette, underscoring the artist’s intent to portray the raw essence and vulnerability of the human form.
