Reclining Woman | Egon Schiele | 1917

About the artwork:

Egon Schiele’s Reclining Woman (1917) is a provocative and deeply expressive work that exemplifies his daring exploration of the human form. The figure’s elongated, angular body lies in a position that combines sensuality with tension, her limbs twisted in a way that feels both natural and deliberately stylized. Schiele’s characteristic use of bold, sharp lines and muted, earthy tones emphasizes the contours of her body, while leaving parts of the figure and background unfinished creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The woman’s face, turned away or obscured, heightens the emotional ambiguity of the scene, suggesting introspection or detachment. The stark, minimal composition strips away distractions, focusing entirely on the body as a site of emotion and human vulnerability. This painting demonstrates Schiele’s ability to capture raw, unidealized beauty, challenging traditional notions of form and inviting the viewer into a deeply personal, almost voyeuristic experience.