Artwork

Dr. Ernst Wagner

Dr. Ernst Wagner, by Egon Schiele, crayon, 1918
Dr. Ernst Wagner, by Egon Schiele, crayon, 1918

Dr. Ernst Wagner is a crayon drawing by Egon Schiele. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Dr.

About this work

Overview

Dr. Ernst Wagner is a 1918 drawing by Egon Schiele, executed in black crayon on wove paper. The work is a portrait of Dr. Ernst Wagner, a physician.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts Dr. Wagner in a straightforward and unidealized manner, capturing his serious expression and attire, including a patterned bow tie. The subject's hands are prominently rendered, resting in his lap with fingers slightly spread.

Technique & Style

Schiele employed bold, expressive lines to convey the subject's likeness, using black crayon to create dark, prominent marks on the light beige paper. The drawing's loose, unfinished quality is evident in its rough edges and distorted proportions, such as the oversized hands.

Context

This work is characteristic of Schiele's oeuvre, which was influenced by his mentor Gustav Klimt, a prominent figurative painter of the early 20th century. Schiele's style is marked by intense, expressive figure studies and a focus on bold linework.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Egon Schiele

Artist

Egon Schiele

Egon Leo Adolf Ludwig Schiele (German: ; 12 June 1890 – 31 October 1918) was an Austrian Expressionist painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.