Portrait of a Gentleman with a Full Beard
1985
Signed and dated January 30, 1907, this striking portrait captures an older gentleman with a distinguished beard, rendered with the intense energy that would become Egon Schiele's trademark. Created when the Austrian artist was just a teenager around 16 or 17 years old, it shows his incredible foundational skill before he developed his famous twisted, angular style. The subject's gaze looks off to the side, giving him a dreamy, contemplative air that contrasts beautifully with the rough, sketchy texture of his dark coat. It's a fascinating glimpse into the early days of an Expressionist master who would tragically die young at 28.
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