Nude Self-Portrait 1910

Egon Schiele made this self-portrait in paint on paper, and it’s all about the process of looking, both at himself and the world. The way he’s used colour, all earthy and bodily, really grabs you. Schiele’s skin tones aren’t just one colour; they’re a mix of reds, browns, and even greens, making it feel alive and a bit unsettling. See how he’s outlined himself in white? It’s almost like he’s peeling away from the background, or maybe he’s trying to contain himself. Look at the brushstrokes around his chest – they're so raw and immediate, capturing a sense of vulnerability and unease. Schiele reminds me a bit of Francis Bacon, both unafraid to confront the darker sides of human experience. Art isn't about perfection; it’s about exploring the messy, complicated reality of being alive.