"Portrait of Albert Paris von Gütersloh," Egon Schiele, 1918.
Schiele (1890-1918) was an Austrian artist and an early example of Expressionism. He had a difficult early life, including a father dying of syphilis, leaving the family in dire poverty. He became known for his portraits that often featured bizarre coloring and twisted, unhealthy-looking bodies.
I often find his work off-putting, but sometimes it's dramatic and works, such as this one, unfinished at his death (only 28, from the Spanish flu).
Von Gütersloh (1887-1973) was a close friend of Schiele. He started off as an actor, director, and set designer, but later shifted into painting and writing, including an article that raised Schiele's profile in the art world. Von Gütersloh himself was to become a leader of the Vienna School of Fantastic Realism, an art movement that started in the 40s.
His intense gaze, and the hands that both repel and beckon, or perhaps are conducting an orchestra, make this a memorable portrait.
Happy Portrait Monday!
From the Minneapolis Museum of Art.
#Art #EgonSchiele #Expressionism #AlbertParisVonGutersloh #PortraitMonday
