Egon Schiele’s “The Family” is considered one of his masterpieces and an important representation of Austrian expressionism. Measuring 152.5 cm × 162.5 cm, the painting depicts Schiele’s family in a close embrace, with their bodies contorted and twisted in a manner that emphasizes their emotional bond rather than anatomical accuracy. Schiele’s signature intense style is apparent in the harsh lines and bold colors he used to render each figure.
Schiele was heavily influenced by Gustav Klimt, his mentor, whom he studied under at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. His early works were often explicit depictions of sexuality, which earned him criticism from conservative circles during that time period. However, as he progressed as an artist, he also experimented with different themes like spirituality and family dynamics.
One interesting fact about Schiele was his fascination with self-portraits. He produced numerous self-portraits throughout his career, many of them naked and highly personal. Unfortunately, Schiele’s avant-garde style did not resonate with the Nazi regime who deemed some of his pieces degenerate art. Several items were sold at auction in Switzerland in 1939 while around 5000 pieces were destroyed through secret burning in Berlin later that year.
“The Family” remains one of Schiele’s most remarkable paintings since it reflects one aspect of life hidden behind closed doors – familial intimacy portrayed from a unique perspective – emphasizing raw emotion over realism or conformity to societal norms through its distinct Expressionist style
