Egon Schiele, the Austrian artist known for his wild and sexual expressionism, experienced a significant shift in his art during the years 1914-1918. This period marked a turning point in his career, as the trauma of World War I and his new responsibilities of marriage and family redirected his focus towards the human psyche. The exhibition “Changing Times: Egon Schiele’s Last Years, 1914–1918” at the Leopold Museum in Vienna showcases around 130 works that encapsulate this transformative phase in Schiele’s artistic journey.
Before the war, Schiele was known for his provocative and erotic artworks. However, the challenges of wartime and his personal life led him to explore deeper themes of introspection and emotional complexity. His marriage to Edith Harms in 1915 brought a new sense of maturity and depth to his work, as he portrayed his wife with empathy and understanding. The exhibition features several pieces that reflect this evolution, such as “Edith Schiele in a Striped Dress, Seated” and “Seated Woman with Bent Knee.”
Despite the turmoil of war, Schiele continued to refine his artistic style and technical skills. His depictions of fellow soldiers and landscapes during this period reveal a deep sense of humanity and introspection. Works like “Russian Soldier” and “Decaying Mill (Mountain Mill)” capture the emotional and psychological impact of the war on both individuals and the environment.
In his final year, 1918, Schiele’s mentor Gustav Klimt passed away, leaving him as Vienna’s new reigning artist. He took on new responsibilities, organizing exhibitions and working on ambitious projects. However, his life was tragically cut short when he and Edith both succumbed to the Spanish influenza. Despite his untimely death at the age of 28, Schiele left behind a legacy of over 3,000 drawings and 400 paintings, showcasing his constant evolution as an artist.
The exhibition at the Leopold Museum offers a unique glimpse into Schiele’s last years, highlighting his artistic growth and emotional depth during a tumultuous period in history. Through his works, we witness the profound impact of war, personal relationships, and self-discovery on one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
