Seated Woman in Corset and Boots

Seated Woman in Corset and Boots by Egon Schiele, created in 1918, is a powerful example of the artist's late Expressionist drawing style. Executed in black crayon on paper, the work emphasizes stark linearity and psychological immediacy. Schiele utilizes rapid, economical lines to define the figure, who is depicted with characteristic frankness, gazing directly at the viewer. Her costume, comprising the constricting corset and high boots, heightens the atmosphere of theatrical intimacy and vulnerability often present in Schiele’s depictions of women.

Created in the year of the artist’s premature death, this drawing reflects Schiele's mature command of the human figure, focusing intensely on the emotional depth of his subjects. Unlike earlier, more overtly distorted figures, this piece shows a growing solidity and confidence in the rendering, while retaining the raw emotional exposure central to Austrian Expressionism. The unflinching portrayal of women, often shown in moments of private contemplation or self-display, was a recurring and central theme in Schiele’s oeuvre. The drawing is believed to be one of the last studies completed before the artist succumbed to the Spanish flu epidemic that same autumn.

This important drawing is housed in the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is classified as a crucial example of modern European graphic art. As one of the most celebrated figures of the early 20th century, Schiele’s works continue to draw significant academic attention globally. Because of the lasting cultural impact of pieces like Seated Woman in Corset and Boots, many related studies and high-resolution images have entered the public domain, allowing enthusiasts access to quality prints and fostering broader research into Schiele’s final years.