Poldi Lodzinsky 1910

Egon Schiele painted ‘Poldi Lodzinsky’ with gouache and pencil, capturing the essence of a young subject in a style that transcends mere portraiture. The white halo-like shape behind her head suggests a transcendent innocence. The gesture of Poldi's hands clasped in her lap is a powerful symbol, frequently seen throughout art history. Think of the many depictions of saints and madonnas throughout the ages, each subtly shifting with cultural inflection. Here, it hints at a contained vulnerability, yet the raw, unflinching gaze suggests something more profound. The halo, an ancient symbol of divinity, takes on a new meaning here, almost secular. Perhaps a desire to capture an essence that is both fleeting and eternal. Much like the ‘anima’ of the Renaissance, Schiele taps into our collective memory, engaging us on a subconscious level. This symbol is in constant flux, a mirror reflecting humanity’s evolving soul.