The artwork “Self Portrait as St. Sebastian,” created in 1914 by the Austrian artist Egon Schiele, is an exemplification of Expressionism. Schiele, known for his intense and evocative work, utilizes mediums such as gouache, ink, crayon, and cardboard to bring forth this poster. Completed in Vienna, Austria, the piece illustrates the artist’s predilection for stirring, personal themes. Currently, it resides in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, located in Vienna, Austria.
The artwork depicts a contorted figure assumed to be Schiele himself, portrayed in the guise of St. Sebastian, a Christian saint and martyr who is traditionally depicted bound and pierced by arrows. Schiele’s self-portrait, however, is devoid of the arrows but is bound by taut lines that evoke the saint’s predicament. The figure is dressed in a bright red garment, contrasting starkly against the pale, beigeyellow background. The expression is one of agony or ecstasy, reflecting the raw emotion for which Schiele’s work is recognized.
Bold black lines outline the figure, conveying a strong sense of form and movement, while the detailed rendering of the hands and facial features attests to Schiele’s ability to capture emotional intensity. The background is dominated by the artist’s name in large, black lettering at the top and the inscription at the bottom, which labels the piece as a poster for an exhibition at the Galerie Arnot in January. This textual element integrates commercial and artistic purposes, showcasing the dual role of the artwork as both an advertisement and a cultural statement.
Overall, the poster is not merely a promotional tool but a profound piece of art that reflects Schiele’s unique style characterized by exaggerated lines, emotional depth, and provocative subject matter, hallmarks of his contribution to the Expressionist movement.
