Dr. Koller c. 1918

Here we see Egon Schiele’s pencil drawing of Dr. Koller. The most striking feature here is surely the hands, detached from the body, suspended in air. Throughout history, hands have been powerful symbols, from ancient rituals to Renaissance blessings. Think of the ‘Manus Dei’, the Hand of God, in early Christian art, a symbol of divine intervention and authority. Now, consider how Schiele uses this ancient motif. The hands, floating and disembodied, evoke a sense of unease, a psychological depth charge. These are not hands of blessing but perhaps of contemplation, or even anxiety. The detached hand is a motif that has recurred in art, each time imbued with new meaning, reflecting society's changing anxieties and fascinations. It’s a testament to the enduring power of symbols, their ability to morph and adapt, resonating with our collective memory and subconscious fears.