“Sitting Woman in a Green Blouse,” crafted by the eminent artist Egon Schiele in 1913, stands as a quintessential work reflective of the Expressionist movement. The artwork, produced in Vienna, Austria, captures a portrait genre and is contained within the intimate dimensions of 47.8 by 32 cm. Notably, this piece graces a private collection, eluding public exhibition.
The artwork presents a seated female figure, rendered with a striking combination of linearity and angularity, emphasizing Schiele’s distinctive style that embodies the emotional depth and psychological complexity associated with Expressionism. The woman, portrayed in a green blouse, possesses a gaze that confronts the viewer directly. Her facial features, accented with touches of color, betray an intensity of expression, characteristic of Schiele’s ability to convey raw human emotion. The artist’s use of earthy green tones alongside the vivid blues of what appear to be ribbons in the woman’s hair creates a visual focus, while the drawing’s sparse background prevents any distraction from the figure herself.
Schiele’s technique integrates confident outlines with a selective use of color to highlight particular elements, such as the cheeks, lips, and ribbons. These color applications add depth to the piece without overwhelming the simplicity and starkness of the composition. The hands of the woman are delicately poised, drawing the viewer’s attention to their gesture and to the emotional state they may imply. The proportions, while not strictly realistic, amplify the intensity and emotional focus of the sitting woman, which is a hallmark of Schiele’s approach to portraits within the Expressionist idiom.
