Lesende

Egon Schiele

1909

Graphite on pale brown paper

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A graphite sketch on brown paper depicts a figure in profile, with a focus on the head and feet. The figure appears to be resting or reclining. A graphite sketch on brown paper depicts a figure in profile, with a focus on the head and feet. The figure appears to be resting or reclining. Egon Schiele created many drawings with highly charged sexual imagery, but much of his output is full of tenderness. He made this delicate drawing while lodging with Johann Gierlinger, a blacksmith living just outside Vienna, Austria. Gierlinger’s daughter, Mitzi, recalled that Schiele drew her many times as they sat in the courtyard of the house. This and several other surviving drawings show her wearing her hair up, as was the fashion. In some places Schiele’s line is absolutely confident,