#37921 Egon Schiele (1890-1918)

The drawing presents a female figure in profile, rendered with a deliberate economy of line and color. The background is a warm, earthy tone, likely achieved through the natural hue of the paper itself, which contrasts sharply with the darker tones used for outlining the subject and adding detail.
Here we see a woman adorned with an elaborate hat that dominates the upper portion of the composition. Its broad brim casts shadows across her face, partially obscuring features while simultaneously drawing attention to the vibrant red hair escaping from beneath it. The artist has employed quick, gestural lines to suggest volume and texture in both the hat and the hair, creating a sense of movement and vitality.
The woman’s gaze is directed towards the left, suggesting a contemplative or perhaps slightly melancholic mood. Her expression is subtle, hinting at an inner life beyond what is immediately visible. The clothing appears relatively simple – a high-necked blouse with a loosely buttoned collar and what seems to be a skirt or dress with a patterned lower portion. These details are rendered with less precision than the face and hat, indicating that they serve primarily as contextual elements rather than focal points.
The drawing’s style suggests an emphasis on capturing fleeting impressions and conveying personality through simplified forms. The use of limited color and bold outlines contributes to a graphic quality, reminiscent of poster art or fashion illustration.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of modernity and urban sophistication. The womans attire and posture suggest a certain social standing, while the overall aesthetic evokes a sense of stylishness and independence. There is an underlying tension between the formality of her dress and the looseness of the drawing style, hinting at a desire to break from convention or to portray a more complex understanding of femininity.