Self Portrait in Lavender and Dark Suit, Standing 1914

Egon Schiele painted this self-portrait with watercolor and pencil sometime before his death in 1918, capturing himself in a moment of poised introspection. Schiele was a leading figure in the Austrian Expressionist movement, a period marked by intense emotional expression and a focus on the inner self. His self-portraits often reflect a deep exploration of his own identity, anxieties, and sexuality, challenging the conservative norms of early 20th century Vienna. Here, the lavender and dark suit contrast with the pale, almost sickly complexion of his face, emphasizing a sense of vulnerability beneath the veneer of composure. The exaggerated features and intense gaze invite us to confront the raw, unfiltered emotions that Schiele sought to convey. Schiele once said, "The artist cannot paint what he sees, but only what he is." Through this lens, we can view this self-portrait as not just a representation of his physical appearance, but a window into his soul. The work reflects the societal unease and personal turmoil of an artist grappling with his place in a rapidly changing world.